Survey: Security and resilience – Finns want a strong and self-sufficient European Union

Finns increasingly see the EU as a geopolitical actor whose role is to safeguard stability and security. Citizens support even ambitious decisions if they strengthen Europe’s and Finland’s capacity to act. 

These findings emerge from a joint EU survey by Sitra and EVA conducted in March 2026 as part of EVA’s series of values and attitudes studies. The memorandum “A stronger Europe – but on what terms?” (in Finnish) published ahead of Europe Day compiles the first results, focusing on partnerships and strategic agency. 

“Based on the survey, Finns no longer view the EU merely as economic cooperation or a regulatory mechanism. Above all, they expect effectiveness: the ability to strengthen Europe’s security, safeguard critical resources and reduce dependencies in an uncertain geopolitical context,” says the lead author of the memorandum, Timo Miettinen, Senior Advisor at Sitra. 

Greater self-sufficiency – but not at any cost 

According to the survey, Finns strongly support the EU’s strategic autonomy, reduction of dependencies and protection of critical resources. A clear majority of respondents (79%) support strengthening EU self-sufficiency in critical technologies and products, such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Investment in food security and energy production is also seen as important. 

Reducing dependencies is not only directed at China or other authoritarian regimes, but also at the United States. 77% of respondents believe that Europe should reduce its technological and economic dependence on the US, even though it is still seen as an important security partner. There is also exceptionally broad support (76%) for limiting the power of major American and Chinese corporations. 

A new tension is emerging between climate and security policy: a majority believe that Europe should reduce its technological dependence on China, even if this would slow climate action.

In trade policy, Finns do not aim for isolation, but for a managed shift in direction. Seeking new partnerships with emerging economies such as India, Brazil and Vietnam receives broad support, especially if it helps reduce dependence on China. However, support declines if the costs of agreements are seen to fall clearly on domestic industries, such as agriculture. 

Finns’ views on the EU’s value base have also become more pragmatic. The Union is not expected to act solely as a moral leader, but neither is it seen merely as pursuing its own interests. 

“Strengthening the EU does not mean abandoning values, but applying them in a changing world. Many seem willing to accept cooperation with partners that do not share all European values – as long as it strengthens the Union’s ability to act and reduces harmful dependencies, for example on China,” says Riikka Marjamäki, Leading Specialist at Sitra. 

New insights into Finnish views on the EU 

The joint EU survey by Sitra and EVA provides new insights into Finnish public opinion for those who make or prepare decisions concerning Europe. 

“Attitudes towards the European Union are broadly positive, and willingness to deepen EU integration is now significantly greater than in the past. This study, conducted in cooperation with Sitra, provides new information on what Finns are prepared to accept – and what they are not – in the EU in a changed geopolitical situation,” says Ilkka Haavisto, Research Director at EVA. 

Finns’ views on the EU have been monitored as part of EVA’s values and attitudes surveys since 1992. 

Methodology 

The results are based on responses from 2,047 individuals. In addition, 34 EU experts responded by invitation. The margin of error is 2–3 percentage points in either direction at population level. 

Data were collected between 17 and 30 March 2026. Respondents represent the population aged 18–79 across the country (excluding Åland). 

The data were collected via Taloustutkimus Oy’s online panel, using stratified random sampling. The data have been weighted to represent the population by age, gender, region, education, occupation or status, industry and party preference. 

The memorandum “A stronger Europe – but on what terms?” now published focuses on the parts of the survey dealing with partnerships and geopolitics. Other themes and results will be published later.