Finnish President Calls for Expanding EU Membership to 40 Countries

ARK News.. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has called for expanding the European Union from 27 to as many as 40 member states, suggesting the inclusion of both European and non-European countries, including Canada.

Speaking at an energy conference in Finland, Stubb said: “At this stage, we need to think broadly and geographically. We need to expand, or at least create flexible membership mechanisms that could cover 40 European countries, or even non-European states.”

The Finnish president added that the “window of opportunity” for EU enlargement is very limited, warning that once the war in Ukraine ends and a possible change in the U.S. administration occurs, the issue may lose political momentum as attention shifts elsewhere.

Referring to potential future members, Stubb highlighted the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, and the Western Balkan countries, describing them as “the hottest regions in Europe.”

He also stated that after considering Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia for membership, EU countries “must seriously look at Turkey.”

Canada, he added, should also be considered as an alternative option, particularly amid discussions in the United States regarding proposals to make Canada the 51st American state.

Stubb noted that Canada could be viewed as a viable candidate, especially in light of remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the possibility of annexing Canada. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful for Canada to become the 28th EU member instead of the 51st U.S. state?” he said, adding in a rhetorical tone.

The Finnish leader stressed that if the EU wants to strengthen its global influence, it must “start thinking on a larger scale,” while acknowledging uncertainty over who would take such initiatives forward.

Discussions about Canada’s potential EU membership have recently gained attention among European and Canadian political circles, partly as a reaction to U.S. political rhetoric.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has previously stated that Canada, despite not being geographically in Europe, could theoretically join the bloc due to its Arctic ties.

However, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in June that his government has no intention of considering EU membership, although he later described Canada as “the most European-aligned non-European country.”

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