Political system

Finland is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president. The central government is based in Helsinki and the local governments in the 311 municipalities (towns and cities). The country is divided into 19 regions and 70 sub-regions. The smallest region, Åland, is an autonomous archipelago in the south-west. The northern Lappi region comprises the Sami Domicile Area, home to around half of Finland’s indigenous Sami people (also known as Lapps or Laplanders).

Location on the EU map

Trade and economy

The most important sectors of Finland’s economy in 2018 were industry (21.3%), public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (20.2%) and wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (15.5%).

Intra-EU trade accounts for 59% of Finland’s exports (Germany 15%, Sweden 10% and the Netherlands 7%), while outside the EU 7% go to the United States and 6% to China.

In terms of imports, 70% come from EU Member States (Germany 17%, Sweden 16% and the Netherlands 9%), while outside the EU 14% come from Russia and 3% from China.

Finland in the EU

European Parliament

There are 13 members of the European Parliament from Finland. Find out who these MEPs are.

European Parliament office in Finland

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Finnish government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

Dates of Finnish presidencies:

Jul-Dec 1999 | Jul-Dec 2006 | Jul-Dec 2019

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The following link is a redirection to an external websiteCurrent presidency of the Council of the EU

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by Finland to the European Commission is Jutta Urpilainen, who is responsible for International Partnerships.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

Commission representation in Finland

European Economic & Social Committee

Finland has 9 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

European Committee of the Regions

Finland has 9 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

Finland also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Finland's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does Finland pay and receive?

How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa.
The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole. 

2018 figures for Finland:

• Total EU spend in Finland –  € 1.478 billion
  (equivalent to 0.63 % of the Finnish economy)
• Total contribution to EU budget – € 2.018 billion
  (equivalent to 0.87 % of the Finnish economy)

More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:

• EU budget in Finland
• EU budget
• EU spending & revenue

EU-funded projects in Finland

The money paid into the EU budget by Finland helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.

Find out more about how Finland benefits from EU funding.