Source link : https://europ.info/2025/07/26/sovereignty-at-a-crossroads-reflecting-on-25-years-of-eu-membership-for-the-aland-islands/
Sovereignty-Enhancing or Sovereignty-Constraining? Taking Stock of 25 Years of EU Membership for the Åland Islands
This year marks a quarter-century since the Åland Islands, an autonomous Swedish-speaking archipelago under Finnish sovereignty, joined the European Union alongside Finland in 1995. As the islands celebrate 25 years within the EU framework, questions arise about how membership has reshaped their unique status. Has EU integration strengthened Åland’s self-governance and international profile, or has it imposed limits on its sovereignty? The Centre on Constitutional Change takes an in-depth look at the impacts of EU membership on Åland’s political autonomy, economic development, and cultural identity-offering a timely assessment of the region’s evolving position in Europe.
EU Membership and Åland Islands The Balance Between Autonomy and Integration
For the Åland Islands, EU membership is a delicate dance between preserving extensive regional autonomy and embracing deeper European integration. Since joining the EU alongside Finland in 1995, Åland has secured a unique status within the bloc, benefiting from exemptions like a customs-free zone and participation in the single market under its own legislative framework. This arrangement exemplifies a tailored approach, allowing the islands to uphold their Swedish language and cultural heritage while actively engaging with broader EU policies. However, this balance often requires continuous…
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Author : Jackson Lee
Publish date : 2025-07-26 21:01:00
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