Stubb Wants a 40-Member EU

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has outlined an ambitious vision for the European Union, arguing that it should expand from 27 member states to around 40 in order to remain a major geopolitical power.

Speaking at a conference in Helsinki, Stubb said the current moment presents a unique opportunity for enlargement, with the war in Ukraine and broader shifts in global politics creating favorable conditions for deeper European integration.

Among the countries he said could eventually become part of a larger European framework are Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkan states, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland and Turkey. He also mentioned Canada as a potential long-term partner in closer European structures.

Stubb argued that support for enlargement could fade once the war in Ukraine ends, making the current period particularly important for advancing the process.

He also stressed Turkey's strategic importance for European security and called for maintaining the closest possible relationship with Britain despite Brexit.

(mja)