Two-thirds of Finnish residents report growing concerns about regional security and stability amid evolving U.S. foreign policy directions, according to a Uutissuomalainen survey published Saturday. The findings highlight anxieties tied to NATO’s shifting role and global trade tensions under the Trump administration.
Conducted among 1,000 participants from March 11-19, the study revealed 66% of respondents – 44% moderately and 22% strongly – view recent U.S. policy changes as destabilizing. Only 5% expressed no concern. Analysts attribute this unease to perceived reductions in U.S. commitments to NATO and escalating tariff disputes.
The research uncovered notable demographic divides: 73% of women reported security worries compared to 59% of men. Political affiliations further shaped perspectives, with 75% of Left Alliance supporters voicing concern versus 54% among Finns Party backers.
“NATO membership was expected to solidify Finland’s defense posture, but current U.S. unpredictability challenges that assumption,” noted University of Turku lecturer Juha Vuori. Fellow researcher Ville Sinkkonen of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs added: “This mirrors broader European trends – nearly half of British and German populations now perceive U.S. policies as significant security risks.”
As geopolitical realignments continue, the data underscores Finland’s acute sensitivity to transatlantic partnership dynamics – a key consideration for investors and policymakers monitoring northern Europe’s strategic balance.
