Finland is never occupied and preserves its independence and sovereignty. 1955 Finland joins the United Nations and in 1956 the Nordic Council. 1995 Finland becomes a member of the European Union.2000New constitution of Finland entered into force on March 1.GovernmentThe head of state is the President of the Republic who is elected for a period of six years and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. President Tarja Halonen was elected in 2000, prior to which she was Minister for Foreign Affairs. The President is chosen by direct popular vote, with a run-off between the two leading candidates to emerge after the first round of voting. The government must enjoy the confidence of parliament (the Eduskunta) which has 200 members elected by universal suffrage every four years. After the elections of 1999 the Social Democratic Party had 51 parliamentary seats, the Centre Party 48, the National Coalition 46, the Left Wing Alliance 20, the Swedish People's Party 12, the Greens 11 and the Christian League 10. The Rural Party and the Reform Party had one each. The multiparty coalition government formed in 1999 is headed by Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, the leader of the Social Democratic Party.Foreign PolicyAs a member of the European Union since 1995, Finland is part of an influential body in world politics. Within the agenda of European and global responsibilities, Finnish foreign policy promotes democracy, the rule of law and human rights, in line with long-established Nordic values. To benefit from solidarity and common security, Finland is adhering to the core of the EU and advocates improvements in its efficiency. Finland joined the Third Phase of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and adopted the common currency, the euro, in 1999. While remaining militarily non-allied, Finland works actively for the strengthening of the EU's common foreign and security policy and its capability to act in crisis management. Finland supports enlargem...
