Finland in the European Union

by Raunio,Tapio

• ISBN13: 9780714653754
• ISBN10: 0714653756
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-03-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

With a focus on governmental institutions, this book explores the ways in which EU membership has altered the balance of power among key political actors. The authors discuss cultural adaptation to integration, as well as examining the views of the elite and voters. The transformation in national identity, sovereignty and neutrality are also examined. Finland's elite pro-European consensus is discussed in terms of its geopolictical situation and economic dependence of western markets. Looking at the transformation of Finland from a semi-presidential system towards a normal parliamentary democracy and the way national integration policy is characterised by flexibility the book gives readers an insight into the political culture which is contributing to cooperative behaviour within the EU.

Author Biography

Tapio Raumio is a Professor of Political Science at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Tampere, Finland.

Table of Contents

Tables and Illustrations	vi
List of Abbreviations	vii
Foreword	ix
Introduction	xii
National Politics and European Integration	1	(20)
Finland Joins the European Union	21	(22)
Parties and Elections	43	(29)
Parliament	72	(24)
The Dual Executive: The Government and the President	96	(17)
Finland's First Presidency of the European Union	113	(16)
The Common Foreign and Security Policy	129	(17)
Conclusion	146	(12)
References	158	(15)
Index	173