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.
In line with Government Programme, Finland draws up an annual, concrete strategy for exerting influence in the EU. The Government is preparing a separate report to Parliament on each of the three main priorities for exerting influence in the EU in 2025. Individual proposals by the Commission are always addressed separately.
Objectives of Finland’s strategy for exerting influence in the EU in 2025
- EU multiannual financial framework for 2028–
In Finland’s view, the next financial framework must be kept at a reasonable overall level. Finland’s position is that the allocation of funds should be more strongly aligned with the Union’s strategic priorities. When setting priorities for the use of EU funds, attention should be paid to areas where the funds can be used most effectively. - Comprehensive security in Europe, with a focus on defence, external border security and general preparedness
The concept of comprehensive security should be further promoted in Europe using the principles of the Finnish comprehensive security model. Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong, effective and united response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine. Finland emphasises the importance of cooperation between the EU and the United States, along with other key partners. - Simplifying regulation and improving the efficiency of implementation with a view to strengthening strategic competitiveness
Finland supports the Commission’s goals of simplifying regulation and reducing the administrative burden. Finland is taking determined action to simplify EU regulation that hinders competitiveness and to make regulation more flexible and better able to take into account the special characteristics of the Member States. To boost strategic competitiveness, measures to simplify regulation should also aim for a more predictable and stable operating environment for businesses.
The Government’s EU policy is based on the Government Programme and on Finland’s policy priorities for the 2024–2029 EU legislative cycle 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.