A recent poll indicates that Finns are split on their trust in NATO, with 46% expressing confidence in the alliance's ability to ensure Europe's and Finland's security.
A new poll conducted by Uutissuomalainen reveals a division among Finns regarding their trust in NATO as a guarantor of security for Europe and Finland. The survey shows that 46% of respondents have confidence in NATO, while 32% do not, and 22% remain undecided. These findings reflect growing concerns and hesitancy among the Finnish population regarding NATO's reliability, especially in light of the perceived instability of U.S. foreign policy under the current administration.
Iro Särkkä, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, notes that distrust in the current U.S. administration may have influenced these results. The concerns are heightened by past statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made controversial remarks about NATO allies and even threatened to sell Greenland to Denmark. European NATO countries are preparing for a potential situation where U.S. military capabilities assigned to European defense may not be fully available in times of crisis.
The poll also illustrates a gender divide in perceptions of NATO, with men generally exhibiting more confidence than women. According to Särkkä, many men associate NATO with a traditional concept of hard security, whereas women often consider security in a broader context. This difference in viewpoints might contribute to the overall split in public opinion towards NATO in Finland, reflecting deeper societal attitudes towards defense and security matters.
