Finland — An EU Member with a Small State Identity

Finland’s small state identity means rules, norms and institutions matter. Also its other identity is one of a state–centric, sovereignty–oriented country. Since joining the EU, Finland has embraced the Community approach, has cooperated intensely with others and has had a unified approach to EU matters internally. Sometimes the stress on cooperation and Community has clashed with the emphasis on maintaining sovereignty, but normally a compromise has allowed Finland to work closely within the EU system.