Finland public opinion favors EU expansion to Canada and UK

A survey conducted by Sitra and the Business Finland delegation (EVA) reveals that a majority of Finns support the expansion of the European Union to include countries with shared values, even those outside of Europe.

According to the results, 55% of Finns would welcome Canada as an EU member. Support is highest for Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, with approximately 90% approval. Additionally, 78% of respondents support the United Kingdom returning to the union, and 57% support the membership of Ukraine.

Support for other candidate countries varies: 33% favor Montenegro, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, and North Macedonia receive similar levels of interest. Conversely, support is low for Turkey and Serbia, both falling below 20%. Support for Israel (11%), Belarus (6%), and Russia (2%) remains very low.

Riikka Marjamäki, a leading expert at Sitra, noted that the preference for Canada suggests Finns view the EU as a political and value-based community rather than one defined strictly by geography.