From the first day of our incorporation into the European Union, we have collaborated in promoting it as a security community and have dedicated many efforts to building European security and defense cooperation, as well as developing the EU’s crisis management structures. Spain and Finland share opinions in different areas of EU policy and, therefore, we consider it to be an important partner when it comes to promoting our objectives.
Finland’s accession to the European Union in 1995 was, in many ways, a momentous milestone for the country and its citizens. Despite the fact that entry would have long-term effects on the economic structures of our country –something that, in advance, aroused concern for many–, entry into the EU was for us, above all, a political and security solution. This meant a clear and definitive abandonment of the cold war circumstances in which we had been forced, for decades, to proceed slowly and carefully in our process of integration into Western structures. EU membership definitely proved that Finland does not belong to a gray area as a neighbor of the former Soviet Union, but is part of Europe and the West. The EU was, and is, for Finland also an important community of values: Finland being a democratic, Nordic state of law, the EU’s values are in line with ours.
During the cold war, Finland was actively working to improve Europe’s security. The 1975 Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Helsinki, created the basis for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). At the end of the cold war and after Finland joined the EU –in addition to becoming a NATO partner country– the fields of operation changed in terms of security policy: the OSCE was joined by the EU and NATO.
From the first day of our accession to the EU, we have collaborated in its promotion as a security community and dedicated a lot of efforts to the construction of European security and defense cooperation, as well as to developing the EU’s crisis management structures. This line also continued after Finland’s application for NATO membership. The EU and NATO complement each other as security actors and seek mutual synergies. As far as Finland is concerned, the country is working to further develop this cooperation.
Positive consequences of incorporation
Being part of the EU internal market has brought economic well-being to Finland, as well as internationalizing our business field. In the EU, we belong –along with Spain– to the member countries that, at the forefront, promote a greater deepening of the internal market, including digital services. As an export-dependent country, we support a rules-based, market-driven trade policy. Likewise, we consider important the free trade agreements between the EU and the member countries themselves. The Union aspires to strategic autonomy, fundamental in today’s world, and we want it to be based on transparency, strengthening the EU, but ensuring international cooperation and transparent trade relations.
Today, being a member of the EU is a no-brainer for Finns. The main positive consequences of entry are considered to be economic well-being, the European value base, free mobility, and the single currency that facilitates both tourism and commercial activities throughout Europe. According to the latest public opinion poll, 66% of Finns are in favor of joining the EU, and only 15% are against it. Citizen support, now reaching maximum levels, is influenced by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the consequent unity and strong measures adopted by the EU, considered essential. This means that favorable opinion towards the EU has been restored after the downturn caused by the approval of the Next Generation recovery package among the Finns, who considered that the new shared responsibility accentuated their role as paying party of the EU.
«To prosper, the EU needs to be digitally and technologically advanced and ensure its strategic autonomy in both security and technology»
With EU membership and free mobility, Finland has become more international, open and prosperous. The European identity is strong, although geographically we are in the extreme north of the EU. In it, we have promoted efficiency, transparency in decision-making, equality and the principles of the EU rule of law. We have brought to the Union our experience and vision of industrial activity, agricultural production and security of supply in northern conditions, as well as our experience and perspectives with regard to Russia and the Arctic. As a technologically and digitally advanced and highly educated country, we have boosted the EU’s competitiveness in an increasingly digitized world. In the work against climate change we are at the forefront: The joint commitment of the Union is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Finnish government is committed to reaching this goal 15 years earlier, in 2035. Work is underway to achieve it in energy efficiency and renewable energies, as well as in the field of circular economy and climate awareness of citizens.
The last government report on EU policy was completed in 2021. The report lists as Finland’s goal a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable Union and the most competitive and socially integrated carbon-neutral economy in the world. We want to achieve a strong, united EU with the capacity to act and solve global challenges. Finland wants to further strengthen equality and the observance of human rights, democracy and the rule of law throughout the EU. Promoting common values strengthens the unity, acceptance and credibility of the EU, as well as trust between member countries.
«Together with climate policy, safeguarding biodiversity is one of our fundamental tasks. The use of natural resources has to be sustainable throughout the EU»
We strive for the most consolidated internal market that brings well-being to citizens. To prosper, the EU needs to be digitally and technologically advanced and ensure its strategic autonomy in both security and technology. European human capital is the most important resource. Strengthening the level of knowledge of Europeans, increasing educational equality and digitization are fundamental objectives for Finland. Through the green transition, the Union must achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and, with its own technological solutions and support to its partner countries, plays a leading role in working against international climate change. Together with climate policy, safeguarding biodiversity is one of our fundamental tasks. The use of natural resources has to be sustainable throughout the EU.
Finland considers it important that Brussels is a stronger global player and a more united security community than it is today. This goal is accentuated by Russia shaking security in Europe and – through the food crisis it has caused, as well as the nuclear threat, which is also global – with China challenging the multilateral system. The EU must continue to protect and support the rules-based multilateral international system and be an active international partner. Responsibility for reinforcing the EU’s global role rests with both the member countries and the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs. Challenges that cross borders can only be responded to with efficient international cooperation. Particular attention needs to be paid to preventing hybrid threats and strengthening the EU’s cyber capacity and security of supply.
Spain and Finland often share views in different areas of EU policy and therefore we consider it to be an important partner in furthering our goals. Due to its geographical location and its international ties, Spain has a special role to play in developing relations between the EU and its southern partners, as well as in cooperation with Latin America.
The Spanish presidency of the EU coincides with a time when the effects of climate change –both global and on European soil– can already be clearly perceived. Russia’s unwarranted war in Ukraine weakens the European security situation further, and fundamentally changes our relationship with Russia. A year from now, Ukraine will still need significant support from the EU, both to defend its country and in its reconstruction. Amid inflation and with the Union seeking energy independence from Russia, persistence and resilience is required from citizens and governments. It is important to develop the economic and financial policy of the EU emphasizing responsible economic policy, avoiding blocs and seeking unity. EU migration policy reforms should be carried out; in this, Spain has a special interest and a constructive approach. As for the EU’s enlargement policy, its credibility and success must be ensured.
Therefore, Spain will hold the presidency in a very challenging situation at the end of the current EU electoral period. However, Spain has all the conditions for a successful presidency: the preparations have started well in advance and, with a consultative and constructive approach. Even the most challenging issues can be solved.
