Finland's EU policy
Cabinet Committee on EU Affairs
The Cabinet Committee on European Union Affairs meets every week to discuss key EU issues which are of politically, economically or legally important. The Cabinet Committee on European Union Affairs agrees on Finland's priorities, for example, for all the official, any informal meetings, of the Council of the European Union.
A list of the items on the Cabinet Committee's agenda is made public before the meeting on the Government website.
Meetings of the Cabinet Committee on EU Affairs (in Finnish)
Reports, statements and announcements
The Government may submit a statement or report relating to governance or international relations to Parliament. Following a discussion on a statement, Parliament may take a vote of confidence in the Government or a minister. A vote may not be taken while discussion on the report is underway.
The Prime Minister or any other member of the Government designated by the Prime Minister may submit an announcement to Parliament on a matter falling under the mandate of the Government. The announcement – which is not subject to any decision – will be discussed in a Parliament plenary session.
EU related reports, statements and announcements
U communications
U matters cover such European Union affairs that fall within the mandate of Parliament. They may relate to EU legislation, financial issues or relations with third countries. The Government submits U matters to Parliament by a U communication. The communication includes a Commission proposal, memorandum on the contents and effects of the proposal and Government’s position with regard to the matter.
U communications (in Finnish only)
Europe communications
Europe communication is report submitted by a ministry to Parliament to notify them on a matter being prepared (Europe matter) in the European Union, other than legislation, the budget and international treaties. The communications may relate to Green and White Papers, Commission Communications or other broad-based EU issues, such as the Multiannual Financial Framework or enlargement.