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.
Finland's objectives for the EU parliamentary term 2024–2029
Key objectives of Finland's EU policy for 2024–2029 are strengthening Europe’s strategic competitiveness, improving comprehensive security in Europe and promoting a clean transition and the bioeconomy and circular economy.
Strengthening Europe’s strategic competitiveness
The EU’s strategic competitiveness over the long term should be based on developing the Union’s strengths and implementing market-based solutions. A well-functioning single market plays a key role in this work. It is important for each Member State to bear responsibility for the sustainability of its public finances.
Improving comprehensive security in Europe
The European Union must become a stronger geopolitical player. Finland’s comprehensive security and approach to security of supply help strengthen the Union's resilience to crises. Finland is in favour of deepening defence cooperation and establishing a single market for defence materiel, for instance. The EU must continue its strong support for Ukraine. The EU must secure its strong external borders while preventing the instrumentalisation of migration.
Promoting a clean transition and the bioeconomy and circular economy
The EU must continue its measures to combat climate change and support biodiversity in a way that takes into account the different circumstances in the Member States. The clean transition will be implemented cost-effectively using a technology-neutral approach. Measures to improve energy efficiency should focus on reducing emissions rather than limiting consumption.