Finland and the European Union

Act of Accession to the EU signed by Finland in 1994. Photo: European Commission Representation in Finland

Act of Accession to the EU signed by Finland in 1994

Finland acceded to the European Union on 1 January 1995. The accession was preceded by a referendum in October 1994. 57 per cent of voters were in favour of Finland's membership of the EU. Parliament made a decision on Finland’s accession to the European Union on 18 November 1994.

 

Finland held the rotating Presidency of the European Union during the latter halves of 1999 and 2006.

Finland's EU Presidency 2006

 

Programme of Prime Minister Vanhanen's second Cabinet, EU policy

"Finland is a proactive Member State of the European Union, functioning at the core of the Union’s reform process. A coherent, effective and open Union strengthens security, the economy, employment and wellbeing in Finland. The European Union is historically a community for the promotion of peace, stability and democracy.

 

Finland supports continued enlargement of the EU on the basis of jointly approved criteria. Expansion of the area of freedom, security and justice by means of carefully deliberated and orderly policy is in the common interest of all Europeans. Finland supports membership negotiations with Turkey and Croatia and closer relations between the Western Balkan countries and the EU."

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Government EU policies

The Government submits statements and reports on important EU issues to Parliament. The Prime Minister may also submit announcements on EU affairs that fall within the Government’s mandate.

 

The Government may also issue a U communication. 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.

EU related reports, statements and announcements