Finland as the EU's model pupil

Finland has a good reputation within the EU, writes Björn Mansson. "Compared with other member states, and even with other Nordic states, we are like a model pupil who follows the rules and doesn't cause any trouble. We don't hold unnecessary referendums, we implement all the directives and accept everything Brussels decrees, from the euro to the new EU treaty." Mansson only sees problems as far as foreign policy is concerned: "In Finland we point our finger at countries like Poland and Estonia, which have failed to resolve their problems with Russia. Yet we shouldn't forget the Russian customs duty on timber. There are people who regard Finland as a troublemaker in the relations between Russia and the EU even though we know we're in the right. But the Poles think they're right too."

» full article (external link, Swedish)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Finland, » Russia
All available articles from » Björn Mansson

» To the complete press review of Friday, October 5, 2007