Finland survey: Finns demand rule of law and economic reform conditions for EU funds

A recent EU attitude survey conducted by Sitra and EVA ry reveals that a majority of Finns support stricter conditions for European Union funding. According to the study, 72 percent of Finnish respondents believe EU support should be immediately cut if a member state's rule of law development declines significantly.

Furthermore, 65 percent of Finns support linking EU funding more strictly to the implementation of agreed economic reforms. Emmiliina Kujanpää, lead tax expert at EVA, stated that Finns expect member states to respect the rule of law and take responsibility for economic reforms while operating within agreed frameworks.

Regarding EU financing, Finns expressed caution. While 42 percent would increase EU funding to ensure Europe remains globally competitive, only 49 percent support significant new investments in security and technology even if it requires higher membership fees. Proposals for direct EU taxation received strong opposition, with only 8 percent of respondents in favor, whereas 45 percent support increasing import tariffs from outside the EU.