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European Union: social, health and gender equality issues

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is in charge of its own sectoral matters in the EU in terms of preparation, follow-up, defining Finland’s standpoint, drafting EU legislation and implementing it in Finland.

EU matters dealt with by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health include:

  • social protection
  • social security coordination
  • gender equality
  • occupational health and safety
  • insurance 
  • health services
  • public health and environmental health
  • supervision of pharmaceuticals
  • narcotics – drug prevention

EU decisions and directives have a considerable impact on operations in the social welfare and health care sector. Although social welfare and health care affairs are, as a rule, within the competence of the Member States, EU regulation applies to areas such as social security coordination, pharmaceuticals and cross-border health threats.

EU issues in the ministry are coordinated by the EU Coordination Group of the International Affairs Unit.

Further information

Satu Leino, Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, International Affairs Unit (KVY) Telephone:0295163498   Email Address:


Kaisa Lähdepuro, Senior Specialist 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, International Affairs Unit (KVY) Telephone:0295163419   Email Address: