CIAO DATE: 06/2010
May 2010
Finnish Institute for International Affairs
Since Paavo Lipponen left the Prime Minister’s Office in 2003, Finland’s relationship with Germany seems to have grown more distant. While Lipponen had a markedly pro-German attitude, the present government has adopted a more sober and pragmatic approach. But does this change in rhetoric indicate a different approach? A decade ago, it seemed self-evident that for Finland, Germany was considered “as an important – if not the most important – partner in Europe.” But what importance does Germany hold for Finland today?
Resource link: Getting along with Gulliver: A Review of Finnish-German Relations [PDF] - 213K