Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja: Finland's Russian policy is active

Finland has its own active policy on Russia, said Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja at a seminar organised by the Social Demoratic Party's committee on cooperation in the neighbouring areas in Helsinki on Sunday, 25 November. He referred to a recent political debate on whether the EU Finland has neglected its bilateral relations with Russia. "I am baffled by this question. Of course we have our own policy on Russia and it is very active."

When Finland's accession to the European Union was debated, one of the issues was the impact of the membership on Finland's relations with Russia, said Tuomioja. "The transition in Europe had already changed the general framework of the Finnish-Russian relations. The situation which contributed to the successful Finnish-Soviet relations no longer prevailed."

It was concluded in Finland that our possibilities in promoting bilateral relations with Russia, particularly in the field of trade and economic cooperation, would be better as a member rather than a non-member of the European Union. "Our estimation proved right. Our relations have developed positively."

As a member of the European Union Finland has been able to actively promote the EU's policies on Russia, said Tuomioja. He mentioned the adoption of the EU's programme on the Northern Dimension on a Finnish initiative and the great input by Finland on the establishment of the EU's strategy on Russia.

Foreign Minister Tuomioja was convinced that the enlargement of the EU would further improve the relations between the EU and Russia. The accession of the Baltic states, particularly, will enhance cooperation.