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, reliable and results-oriented EU Member State.
Finland’s goal is a globally strong and well-functioning European Union that promotes the security, wellbeing and economic interests of its Member States and citizens. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental and human rights are the foundation for all activities of the EU. Finland aims to promote gender equality in the EU over the long term.
The Government’s EU policy is based on the Government Programme and on Finland’s policy priorities for the 2024–2029 EU legislative cycle as outlined in January 2024. Finland’s policy priorities include strengthening Europe’s strategic competitiveness, improving comprehensive security in Europe and promoting a clean transition while harnessing the opportunities of the bioeconomy and circular economy.
In line with Government Programme, Finland draws up a concrete strategy for exerting influence in the EU each year. A cross-cutting objective of Finland’s efforts to influence EU policy is to secure sufficient funding for Finland’s policy priorities in the negotiations on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034.
Finland’s priorities for influencing EU policy in 2026 are based on the Commission’s 2026 work programme. The priorities have extensive impacts across a variety of sectors and are being promoted through active cooperation with Parliament and key stakeholders. Individual proposals by the Commission are always addressed separately.
Finland’s priorities for influencing EU policy in 2026
Defence and border security
By ensuring its own security, Finland also ensures the security of the Union as a whole. A key objective for Finland is to make sure that the defence and security needs of the EU’s eastern flank are taken into account across the various sectors of EU policy. This also makes it possible to achieve synergies between defence and border security.
From Finland’s perspective, the main priorities for improving European defence and security include strengthening the Union’s defence industrial base, developing military mobility and responding to wide-ranging hostile influence efforts. The focus of defence procurement must be on NATO compatibility and promoting joint procurement. With respect to preparedness measures, the emphasis is on promoting the most important initiatives for Finland.
Supporting Ukraine
Finland’s guiding principle in influencing EU policy is a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine and its reconstruction and an openness to various funding solutions to support Ukraine and, in connection with this, strengthen Europe’s comprehensive security. Through its influence, Finland wants to make sure that the Union continues its strong military and other support to Ukraine in a diverse manner throughout Europe for as long as necessary. A key goal of Finland’s influence efforts is to ensure that the Union is prepared to continue its support to Ukraine in all situations.
From Finland’s point of view, the EU must prepare for the long-term and potentially evolving threat posed by Russia to the Union and its Member States even if a ceasefire or peace agreement is achieved in Ukraine. Finland emphasises that Russia must be held accountable for the serious international crimes it has committed in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
Strengthening strategic competitiveness
Finland will continue its comprehensive efforts to boost the EU’s competitiveness. In its influence efforts, Finland emphasises the importance of strengthening the internal and external competitiveness of the Union as well as its economic security.
With respect to the Union’s internal competitiveness, Finland’s efforts to influence EU policy will continue to focus on developing the internal market and advancing the digital and clean transition. In particular, Finland stresses the importance of innovative growth companies and industrial renewal, the opportunities offered by the bioeconomy and the need to solidify the EU’s position as a tech leader.
Finland wants the EU to identify and take into account the effects of climate measures on competitiveness better than at present, in both the short and long term, including as factors that support economic growth. In its efforts to boost competitiveness, Finland also highlights the need for equal operating conditions, effective competition policy and an investment-friendly operating environment. Finland will continue to advocate for market-based, cost-effective energy policy.
Special attention will be paid to improving the quality of legislation, simplifying regulation and reducing the administrative burden at all stages of legislative drafting.