Finland's EU policy
The European Union is Finland’s most important political and economic frame of reference and community of values. The basic stance of Finland’s EU policy is to further develop the European Union and to promote growth, stability and security in Europe. Finland is an active, pragmatic and results-oriented EU Member State.
Finland’s EU policy priorities are to promote common values, growth and competitiveness and effective regulation, to strengthen the EU’s external and internal security and to respond to migration.
Finland’s EU policy also underlines the importance of strengthening the Union’s resilience to crisis and developing its ability to both respond to and benefit from global trends, such as climate change and digitalisation.
Finland in the European Union
Finland joined the European Union on 1 January 1995. Finland is now one of the 27 EU Member States. Finland has 14 representatives in the European Parliament. The ministers in the Finnish Government are also part of the Council of the European Union. Finland has a representative in the European Commission as well.
When it comes to EU policy, Finland wants to see a globally strong and well-functioning European Union that promotes the security, wellbeing and economic interests of its Member States and citizens. Finland is an active, reliable and solution-oriented Member State that works constructively and proactively and takes initiative to advance its objectives.
Finland wants the EU to play big on big issues and small on small issues. Finland expects the Union to respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, meaning that decisions must be made as close to citizens as possible. Finland advocates for a clear division of competences between the Union and the Member States.
- European Union: towards strategic competitiveness | Programme of Prime Minister Orpo's Government
- Government Report on EU Policy 2021
More information
How the Government works: EU affairs and the Finnish government
The main responsibility for the preparation, monitoring and determination of Finland's positions in affairs relating to the European Union rests with the relevant ministries.
Current issues
Finland to send rescue personnel to Portugal to help manage wildfires
Prime Minister Orpo: Finland and Estonia emphasise security and sustainable economy
Competition for EU funding has tightened – Finnish transport projects received EUR 39.11 million
Finland enacts legislation to combat instrumentalised migration
Agriculture ministers discussed viability of rural areas and generational renewal on farms
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Presidency of the Council of the EU
Hungary holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2024.
Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU
Finland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union promotes Finland’s interests in EU decision-making and reports and passes on information to Finland.
Council of the EU
The Council of the European Union is a body of the Member States of the European Union.
Grand Committee of the Parliament of Finland
The Grand Committee is responsible for the preparation of national policy relating to EU membership.