European Movement Finland thanks the Parliament for adopting the decision on the European Union’s Own Resources on Tuesday 18.5.2021. The approval of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework and Recovery Instrument by a qualified majority of more than two-thirds in Parliament shows that the majority of decision-makers are able to see the overall interest of Finland in an imperfect whole.

The recovery package is a compromise reached through lengthy negotiations at EU level, in which Finland also got its own objectives accepted. European Movement Finland attaches particular importance to integrating the rule of law into the use of money.

When faced with a compromise, one can always choose to focus on the opportunities it brings or get stuck in its weaknesses. In this case, a coordinated recovery of the EU countries and maintaining competitiveness vis-à-vis the major powers will benefit Finland. Catching up with post-Corona economic growth will require a Europe-wide stimulus. There is already a risk that Europe will be left behind by the large-scale US stimulus. The adoption of the EU’s Own Resources decision will create predictability in the markets, increase social stability and give every Member State the opportunity and tools to rebuild, with the green and digital transition leading the way.

“The majority in Parliament today made a responsible decision with Finland’s overall interests in mind. Finland is part of the European Union and the West, and the recovery package, despite its shortcomings, did not constitute a reason to push Finland into a political position on the outer rim of the EU and into a grey area in terms of security policy. Finland’s overall interest is in an economically strong European Union, which offers us security and a stable basis for growth through the internal market. We do not need an economic crisis after the interest rate crisis,” says Ville Kaunisto (Coalition Party), Chairman of European Movement Finland and Member of Parliament.

The months-long debate on the EU recovery package shows how much there is a need for an EU debate. We are also looking to decision-makers to speak out on the direction in which the EU should develop and where we do not need closer cooperation. Influencing the EU’s development requires Finland to take the initiative and put forward its own views. We should make it clear to ourselves what kind of European Union we want to build.

“One of the key benefits of the EU comes through a common internal market. Being part of the EU’s internal market, which operates without walls and customs duties, also opens up a market of 450 million consumers to the goods, services and capital of Finnish companies. Indeed, the EU is Finland’s most important export market, accounting for almost 60% of its exports. At the same time, it is good to honour the importance of the EU’s subsidiarity principle, i.e. the fact that Member States only transfer to the EU matters where joint decision-making brings real added value. Such common issues will continue to be trade policy, stopping global warming, the rules of the internal market and the common monetary policy and the rules it requires,” emphasises Eveliina Heinäluoma, Vice President of the European Movement Parliament and Member of Parliament for Finland (SDP).

The decision to adopt the EU’s Own Resources is not the end of the debate, but proof of the need for an in-depth and purposeful debate. According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, only 38% of Finns are interested in participating in the Conference on the Future of Europe. This figure is among the lowest in the EU and alarmingly low. European Movement Finland expects MEPs, regardless of party affiliation, to lead by example and actively participate in the year-long Conference on the Future of Europe, which started on 9 May 2021. The invitation is open and everyone is welcome to present their vision for the direction of Europe.

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