28 February 2014

Finnish Parliament approves Finland's long-term EU policy objectives

In its report, the Grand Committee observes that the EU is a natural political community for Finland and therefore reinforcing the EU is in Finland's national interest. The Committee notes, however, that the EU has in many respects failed to fulfil the expectations of the Lisbon treaty.

The Finnish Parliament, the Eduskunta, approved the Government’s white paper on EU Policy on 14th February. The English translation of the Grand Committee´s report has been published on the Parliament’s website (see below).

The government issues a white paper on EU policy once every electoral term. The white paper outlines Finland’s EU policy objectives and the Government's views about the EU's future. The white paper has been scrutinised in twelve committees before the Grand Committee wrote its report.

The Grand Committee’s report was voted on in plenary before being adopted as the Eduskunta’s position by votes 94–57. The Eduskunta’s decision is normative for Finland’s EU policy.

In its report, the Grand Committee observes that the Union is a natural political community for Finland and therefore reinforcing the EU is in Finland’s national interest. The Committee notes, however, that the EU has in many respects failed to fulfil the expectations of the Lisbon treaty. In recent years, economic and political divergence has appeared in addition to deeper integration. The Committee considers it important that the cohesion of the Union is maintained as far as possible.

In the Committee’s view, the primary objective for the immediate future relates to reviving the economy. The main economic issue is diminished competitiveness. Competitiveness needs to be strengthened through technological renewal, deepening the internal market, an improved business environment, more effective investment in research and development, migration-generated growth, enhanced economic cooperation with Russia and through a successful energy and climate policy.

Press release

Government report on EU policy

© Finnish Parliament