EVA survey: Finns critical of EU, oppose joining NATO

Baltic Sea region and Nordic Countries favourite affinity groups

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Finns are in favour of cooperation with nearby countries, but are taking an increasingly critical view of the European Union and the NATO alliance.
     According to a report published on Tuesday by the Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA, cooperation among the Nordic Countries is the overwhelming favourite among Finns, with 92 per cent of respondents to the EVA survey seeing it as important, in spite of Finland's membership in the EU; 53 per cent felt that ties with the rest of the Nordic region should be even closer than they are now.
     Finns were most eager to increase cooperation in dealing with environmental issues of the Baltic Sea. Increasing crisis management activities was the lowest priority.
     
Attitudes toward the EU were somewhat contradictory.
     According to the survey, 35 per cent of respondents took a negative view of membership in the EU, and 36 per cent felt that it was positive.
     Nevertheless, 84 per cent were generally satisfied with how Finnish foreign policy was being handled. The EU's common foreign policy is seen as a good thing by 62 per cent, and 70 per cent hoped that the EU would take a leading role in global climate policy.
     In addition, 52 per cent felt that the EU "is the only force that can guide and control European development".
     
One of the two authors of the report, Ilkka Haavisto, says that negative attitudes toward the EU are increased by the perception of growth in the influence of large member states.
     The responses indicate dissatisfaction with the Finnish government's activities in the EU, and a sense that Finland is not getting its voice heard in the organisation. Complaints about the EU include its complicated rules, the high membership dues, and the Common Agricultural Policy.
     
Attitudes toward NATO did not diverge nearly as much as those toward the EU.
     Only 21 per cent of Finns are in favour of joining NATO, whereas 54 per cent are opposed and 23 per cent would not give an opinion.
     Support for NATO only grew to 28 per cent when respondents were asked of membership in the alliance "as a neighbour of an unstable Russia".
     A bigger difference emerged when respondents were asked if Finland should join NATO if Sweden does the same. In that hypothetical situation, 41 per cent would be in favour of NATO membership, significantly outnumbering opponents.
     
Finnish attitudes toward Russia were more understanding than those toward the United States. However, the questions concerning the two powers were worded somewhat differently.
     Seven per cent of Finns agreed with the statement that "The United States acts correctly in world politics and deserves the support of Finns".
     As for Russia, 57 per cent agreed with the statement that "Finns currently have no reason to take a negative attitude toward their large neighbour".


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Report says NATO membership would stabilise Finnish relations with alliance (21.12.2007)
  Majority of Finns still oppose NATO membership (20.12.2007)
  On the road to NATO: a guide for travellers (18.11.2007)

Links:
  EVA News 11.3.2008: EVA´s Attitude and Value Survey 2008 has been published

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