Finland in the EU

Finland is a member of European Union. Finland acceded to the European Union (EU) in 1995. As an EU Member State, Finland promotes the Union’s development as a financial, political and security institution. The aim is to strengthen Finland’s security and welfare.

Handling of EU affairs in Finland

The Prime Minister's Office prepares the general guidelines of Finnish EU policy and coordinates the preparation and handling of issues relating to the European Union in the ministries.

Decisions concerning the general guidelines of Finland’s EU policy are made by the Cabinet Committee on European Union Affairs. The Committee discusses key EU issues that are politically, economically or legally important.

Timeline of Finland’s role in European integration

Since joining the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) as an associate member in 1961, Finland has participated in European integration.

• 1961: Finland joins the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) as an associate member
• 1973: Finland signed the European Economic Community (EEC)
• 1986: Finland becomes a full member of the EFTA
• 1992: Finland files an application for EU membership
• 1995: Finland becomes a Member State of the EU

Finland is a member of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and uses as the only Nordic country the single currency, the euro.

Finland has also signed the Schengen Agreement, which has eliminated border controls between the Schengen member countries.

As a member of the European Union Finland promotes European subjects such as energy, aid for democracy, demography, environment and employment. Photo:European Union 2012.