Finns approve of EU combat forces - sharp differences between men and women

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A majority of Finns approve of Finnish involvement in the combat forces of the European Union.
      Last week the market research organisation Taloustutkimus assessed public opinion on the rapid deployment forces that are being set up to put down international crises. The poll involved interviews with over 1,000 Finns.
      In the survey 56% of respondents said that they approved of Finnish participation in the activities, while 37% did not approve. Seven percent did not give an opinion.
     
The survey was conducted on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday last week, when the issue was conspicuously present on television, radio, and in the newspapers.
      On Monday the member states of the European Union made an important decision on the establishment of combat forces. The countries committed themselves to setting up 13 separate battle groups comprising 1,500 soldiers each.
      Finland is to take part in two battle groups: one alongside Sweden and Norway, and one with Germany and The Netherlands. Finland has promised about 330 soldiers for the effort. They will be paid volunteers taking part in resolving crises in a manner similar to that of peacekeepers operating under the authority of the United Nations.
      The EU member states are to take turns in keeping on alert in case a crisis crops up somewhere in the world, and in case the EU decides to take part in resolving it.
      In the first half of next year it is the turn of France and Britain to be on alert. Finland is to join the effort in the first halves of 2007 and 2008. The forces are expected to be ready for deployment at a few days’ notice.
      The question of whether or not Finland should take part in such operations has been the focus of debate in recent months. The government of Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen decided in favour of Finnish participation in the early autumn, and since then, Finland has been negotiating on cooperation with other countries.
     
The poll showed a significant gap in attitudes of men and women. Among men, 66% were in favour of participation and 31% were opposed. Among women, the figures were 47% for involvement in the forces, and 42% against.
      Young respondents were considerably more positive toward the forces than the older generation. More than two thirds of those under the age of 25 approved of involvement.
      Among those over the age of 50, supporters and opponents were almost even.
     
A breakdown by party affiliation showed that supporters of the parties in the present government (Social Democrats, Centre, and Swedish People’s Party) were generally in favour of taking part, as were supporters of the National Coalition Party.
      Among supporters of the Social Democratic Party, 56% were in favour of joining the EU forces, while 40% were opposed.
      Among Centre Party supporters just 51% were in favour and 40% were against.
      Among the main opposition group, the National Coalition Party, support was a staggering 74%, with just 25% opposing the move.
     
The greatest proportion of opponents to taking part in EU military activities was among supporters of the Left Alliance, 59% of whom were against such a step, while just over one third were for it.
      Among supporters of the Green League, a clear majority, 55%, agree with the government’s decision, while 36% disagree.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Left Alliance MPs oppose Finnish involvement in EU combat forces without UN mandate (26.11.2004)
  Finland to recruit professional soldiers for rapid deployment special force (10.11.2004)
  Finland and Sweden agree to set up common EU military force (5.10.2004)
  Finland decides to take part in German-Dutch EU battle group (4.11.2004)

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