The research project examines changes in Europe’s institutional architecture and their significance for Finland.
Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, launched in 2022, together with new uncertainties surrounding the transatlantic relationship and increasing geoeconomic competition, are testing Europe’s institutional architecture. Transformations in the security and economic environment have increased pressure to strengthen the European Union’s capacity to act and exert influence. At the same time, debate on deepening EU integration, enlarging the Union and the possibilities of differentiated integration has become increasingly central.
The project’s main objective is to produce new research-based knowledge to support Finland’s EU policy, enhancing Finland’s ability to participate effectively and constructively in the ongoing processes of change within the EU and across Europe.
In addition, the project will:
- produce research-based knowledge on the effects of global and regional strategic competition on Europe in general, and on the EU and its system of governance;
- analyse the needs and opportunities for strengthening the EU’s agency and influence in a changing security and economic environment;
- examine the implications of changes in Europe’s institutional architecture for Finland and seek to identify the most critical issues, risks and objectives from Finland’s perspective.
Research material will be collected through expert interviews. The research will also draw on public documents, academic literature and policy-relevant publications, among other sources. A final report and a FIIA Briefing Paper will be published during the project.
The research project is led by Juha Jokela, Programme Director at FIIA. The project team also includes Acting Programme Director Sinikukka Saari, Senior Research Fellow Tuomas Iso-Markku, Senior Research Fellow Sanna Salo, Research Fellow Tyyne Karjalainen and Research Fellow Topi Juga. The project began in May 2026 and will end in June 2027.