«Better as the 28th EU member than the 51st US state». Finland's President proposed inviting Canada to the European Union
Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed the opinion that the European Union should significantly expand and eventually unite about 40 states. In his view, this will help the EU strengthen its position on the international stage and become a more influential force in the world, writes CNBC.
Alexander Stubb. Photo: AP Photo/Thomas Padilla
Speaking at the Eurelectric Power Summit in Helsinki, Stubb named countries that could potentially join the European Union or establish particularly close relations with it. Among them are the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Norway, and Iceland.
According to the Finnish leader, there is now a favorable moment for EU expansion, as the war in Ukraine and changes in US policy are prompting many countries to re-evaluate the benefits of cooperation with the European Union.
He separately noted that the United Kingdom, which left the EU in 2020, should be brought as close as possible to the European community again. Speaking about Canada, Stubb jokingly remarked that it would be better for it to become the 28th member of the European Union than to join the United States as its 51st state, alluding to recent statements by US President Donald Trump.
The Finnish President also called not to forget about Turkey, which has long been a candidate for EU membership. In his opinion, this country is of great importance for Europe's security. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of further integration of the Western Balkan countries.
Among the Nordic states, Stubb highlighted Iceland, where a referendum is planned on the question of starting negotiations for EU accession, as well as Norway, which is also reviewing its relations with the European Union.
However, he acknowledged that there is no concrete plan yet on how and when such a large-scale idea can be realized. However, in his opinion, Europe must think more broadly and act more decisively if it wants to maintain its influence in the world.
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