Contact information in EU affairs
In Finland, a number of different organisations are closely involved in the handling of EU affairs, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Parliament, representations of the European Commission and Parliament in Finland and several NGOs.
Prime Minister's Office
Government Secretariat for EU Affairs
The role of the Government Secretariat for EU Affairs is to coordinate the handling of business relating to the European Union in the ministries. The Secretariat is also responsible for handling key institutional issues relating to the general development of the Union and matters related to amendments to the basic treaties of the European Union. In addition, the Secretariat has a special responsibility, under the supervision of the Prime Minister, for preparation and political coordination of issues to be placed before the European Council.
The Government Secretariat for EU Affairs serves as the secretariat for the Cabinet Committee on European Union Affairs and the Committee for EU Affairs.
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Department for Europe
The Department for Europe comprises four units: Unit for Northern Europe (including the Secretariat for Nordic Cooperation), Unit for General EU Affairs and Coordination, Unit for Central and Western and Southern Europe and Unit for EU Enlargement and Western Balkans.
The Department for Europe deals with bilateral relations and the EU's external relations, including political, economic, development cooperation, and commercial and trade policy issues. It is responsible for the management of the general EU affairs that fall within the competence of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. It is also in charge of the coordination of EU affairs within the Ministry and issues relating to the enlargement of the European Union.
The Unit for General EU Affairs and Coordination is in charge of ensuring the internal coordination of EU affairs within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and represents the Ministry in various coordination bodies. It also participates in the general development of the EU and work on institutional questions together with the Prime Minister’s Office.
Europe Information
Europe Information is a network of regional EU information officers providing information services for general public. Its task is to inform about EU issues in Finnish and Swedish. Europe Information produces and distributes information about European integration and Finland’s activities in the EU. In addition, Europe Information is a distribution channel for EU-related information material in general, and it administers state support granted to non-governmental organisations for the production of information about EU issues.
Europe Information's network covers all the 20 provinces of Finland. Its public service offices are generally located in regional libraries and each one is directed by a regional EU information officer.
Permanent Representation of Finland to the European Union
The duties of the Brussels-based Permanent Representation include the preparation of the decisions to be made in the Council of the European Union in line with the positions of the Finnish Government. The web pages offer information on, e.g., the services provided by the representation and functioning of the European Union plus a directory with contact information and responsibilities of the personnel.
Parliament
Members and civil servants of the Grand Committee
Members and civil servants of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Parliament uses its legislative and monitoring powers by participating in the national-level preparation of decisions to be taken within the EU. In Parliament, the Grand Committee is responsible for the handling of EU matters and special committees submit opinions to the Grand Committee. Matters relating to the Common Foreign and Security Policy are handled at the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Finnish Members of the European Parliament
Finnish Members of the European Parliament
Finland has 13 representatives in the European Parliament. They were elected with direct elections in June 2009.