In 2025, Finland celebrates 30 years as a member of the European Union. During its EU membership, Finland has been characterised as the EU’s model student for its commitment to shared rules and projects. JEF Finland is concerned that the Orpo government’s departures from this course are tarnishing Finland’s reputation as a cooperative, conscientious and pro-European member state.
Finland’s surprising decision to opt out of the coalition for equality and inclusiveness in Ukraine’s reconstruction raises concerns about its willingness to act as part of the Union and its community of values. Finland’s rigid stance on joint debt and institutional reform also makes deepening integration more difficult. Finland must not cherry-pick, but must be able to act cooperatively and consistently in line with the European Union’s policies and values.
Finland has largely acted as the EU’s model student, establishing itself as a stable and reliable partner. Although populist troublemakers claim otherwise, Finland has benefited significantly from this position. For example, Finland receiving a heavyweight portfolio in the European Commission, President Niinistö’s role in improving the EU’s crisis resilience, and Finland’s record-fast accession to the defence alliance NATO are all proof that Finland is respected and trusted internationally. All of this has been possible thanks to Finland’s long-term commitment to integration.
“Finland must continue to be a constructive and cooperative member of the European Union, because only in this way can a Finland that punches above its weight secure its place at key tables around the world”, states JEF Finland’s President for 2025, Nea-Bettina Baarman.
JEF Finland demands a more determined and progressive EU policy from Finland for the next 30 years. Finland should be the European Union’s model student, now and in the future.
General Assembly Statement: Finland must not tarnish its thirty-year reputation as the EU’s model student
In 2025, Finland will celebrate 30 years as a member of the European Union. During its EU membership, Finland has often been characterized as the EU’s model student due to its commitment to shared rules and projects. JEF Finland is concerned that Prime Minister Orpo’s government’s recent divergences risk tarnishing Finland’s reputation as a cooperative, conscientious, and pro-European member state.
Finland’s surprising decision to opt out of the coalition for equality and inclusivity in Ukraine’s reconstruction raises concerns about its willingness to act as part of the Union and its value-based community. Additionally, Finland’s rigid stance on joint debt and institutional reform complicates efforts to deepen integration. Finland should not cherry-pick its commitments but must be able to work cooperatively and consistently in line with the European Union’s policies and values.
Finland has largely acted as the EU’s model student, establishing itself as a stable and reliable partner. Despite claims from populist detractors, Finland has reaped significant benefits from this status. For instance, Finland securing a high-profile portfolio in the European Commission, President Niinistö’s role in improving EU crisis resilience, and Finland’s record-fast accession to NATO all demonstrate the international respect and trust Finland enjoys. All this has been made possible by Finland’s long-term dedication to and commitment to European integration.
“Finland must continue to be a constructive and cooperative member of the European Union, as only in this way can a small country like Finland secure its place at key decision-making tables on the global stage,” states Nea-Bettina Baarman, President of JEF Finland for 2025.
JEF Finland calls for a more determined and progressive EU policy from Finland for the next 30 years. Finland should strive to remain the EU’s model student now and in the future.
For more information:
Nea-Bettina Baarman
President
[email protected]