Security and defense policy of Finland to the EU, NATO, PFP and the Nordic countries in the XXI century

In this article, the author highlighted some important aspects that influenced the changes in the security and defense policy of Finland after the Cold War. These changes have had a major impact on the country''s development. Also, the author chose and studied the important part of Finnish security and defense policy based on the basic state policy documents. In 1995, Finland is entering the EU, which changes the course of the foreign policy of Finland. During this period, Finland is trying to strengthen its position in the international arena by maintaining a policy of neutrality and independent military defense. After analyzing the basic document of security and defense policy of Finland from 1994 to 2012, it can be concluded that the cooperation with NATO is an important aspect for Finland, even despite the fact that it is not part of the Alliance. Finland has been participating in UN peacekeeping operations since 1956 and in the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) program from 1994. Within the framework of the PfP countries took part in the events in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finland''s participation in peacekeeping operations and crisis management is the subject of Finnish security defense policy strategy. The Finnish documents on security and defense policy outlines the importance of cooperation between Finland and the Nordic countries of Europe. Particular attention is paid to the development of regional cooperation in the field of environment, economy, health, transportation and cultural events.