Abstract:
As there are many similarities between Finland and Canada, an analysis of the recently ratified U.S. - Canada Free Trade Agreement may be informative for EC - Finnish relations. While Finland has avoided any commitments on further integration plans, we conclude that this policy cannot continue much longer. Almost every industrialized country is striving to forge trade alliances on either a bi- or a multilateral basis. These countries are fearful of exclusion from significant markets or of falling pray to protectionist policies. By modeling her approach on elements of the U. S. - Canada treaty; Finland should be able to create a beneficial relationship with the EC, without sacrificing her national identity or neutral foreign policy.
