The EU’s most important leadership positions were distributed at last week’s summit in Brussels. Ursula von der Leyen was elected to continue as chairman of the commission, while the former prime minister of Portugal will lead the summits and Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will be the representative for foreign policy. However, both von der Leyen and Kallas still need majority approval from the European Parliament.
Kallas’ appointment is significant for small Estonia, showing that even smaller countries can rise to leadership positions in the EU when qualified and unafraid to take a stand. The Baltic countries, including Latvia and Estonia, have had a considerable presence in EU politics despite their smaller size in terms of population and economy. Prominent politicians from these countries have garnered attention for their straightforward stance on issues.
Finland has also played a role in EU politics, with former Prime Minister Sanna Marin gaining attention for her strong positions on Ukraine. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has also made an impact, particularly in Germany due to her language skills and ability to debate European issues. Spain has taken a different approach by actively campaigning for specific portfolios such as the green transition portfolio.
However, Finland must strive for top positions in EU politics and aim for portfolios that align with its interests such as internal market and competitiveness. Active participation in EU debates and presenting constructive alternatives for the development of Europe is crucial. The game is not lost for Finland, and with the right strategy and vision it can still make a significant impact in EU politics.
Furthermore, Finland should emphasize on internal market and state subsidies are critical for its economic growth, which are essential topics that need to be discussed during EU meetings.
Henna Virkkus, a politician with experience in EU affairs can play a role in advancing Finland’s interests by advocating for portfolios that align with its economic priorities.
In conclusion, Finland must prioritize its interests when seeking leadership roles within the European Union while continuing to participate actively in debates on European issues. With determination and a clear strategy, Finland can still have an impactful presence within EU politics.
