Neutralität, Integrationspolitik und Machtkampf: Nordek, EWG und RGW in der finnischen Politik 1968–1973

Abstract

In the period between 1968 and 1973, Finnish integration policy faced several crucial issues. With Nordek the alternative of Nordic cooperation once more came to a halt. The Finnish decision to retreat from the project has remained one of the great mysteries in recent Scandinavian history. As a result of Nordek’s failure, Finland decided to secure her participation on the Western markets. At the same time, she had to compensate this move in Eastern direction, thereby paying tribute to Cold War times constant Soviet pressure. All these projects were closely linked to Finnish domestic politics. Yet its role for Nordek’s failure has until today been greatly underestimated. The free-trade agreements signed with EEC and COMECON in 1973 for their part formed the nucleus for a political package which guaranteed Urho Kekkonen’s irregular reelection as Finnish president by the parliament. Recently published biographical sources form the main basis for this article.