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Finland in the European Union

Finland joined the European Union on 1 January 1995. Finland is now one of the 27 EU Member States. Finland has 14 representatives in the European Parliament. The ministers in the Finnish Government are also part of the Council of the European Union. Finland has a representative in the European Commission as well.

When it comes to EU policy, Finland wants to see a globally strong and well-functioning European Union that promotes the security, wellbeing and economic interests of its Member States and citizens. Finland is an active, reliable and solution-oriented Member State that works constructively and proactively and takes initiative to advance its objectives.

Finland wants the EU to play big on big issues and small on small issues. Finland expects the Union to respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, meaning that decisions must be made as close to citizens as possible. Finland advocates for a clear division of competences between the Union and the Member States.