Finland's net payment to the European Union fell dramatically last year, dropping to 309 million euros. This marks a substantial decrease from the previous year's 840 million euro contribution.
The Ministry of Finance reported the figures on Tuesday morning. Net payments represent the difference between what member states receive from the EU and what they pay in.
Per capita calculations show Finland's payment dropped from 150 euros to just 55 euros per resident. Relative to gross national income, the payment decreased from 0.30 percent to 0.11 percent.
Finland's total payments to the EU budget decreased by 173 million euros, reaching 2,023 million euros. The country's relative share of the EU budget stood at 1.67 percent.
Payments included 372 million euros based on value-added tax, 1,442 million euros based on gross national income, and 90 million euros tied to non-recycled plastic packaging waste. Finland also paid 142 million euros to cover payment corrections granted to other member states.
Meanwhile, Finland collected 184 million euros in customs duties last year. Of this amount, 138 million euros went directly to the EU while 46 million euros remained in the national budget.
EU Commission data shows Finland's receipts from the union grew by 114 million euros to 1,631 million euros. The country also received 530 million euros from the EU recovery instrument.
Most of Finland's EU budget receipts came from agricultural subsidies and development programs, which accounted for 797 million euros or 49 percent of total receipts. Research and innovation funding through Horizon Europe brought in 280 million euros, representing 17 percent of receipts.
Transportation, energy and telecommunications network development contributed 83 million euros, while education, youth and sports programs added 69 million euros.
Net payment differences between years occur due to timing issues with multi-year financial framework programs. Last year marked the fourth year of the EU's seven-year financial period running from 2021 to 2027.
Budget level changes and revenue from sources other than national membership fees also affect net payment calculations. These other revenue sources can vary considerably year to year.
Germany remained the largest net contributor relative to gross national income at 0.29 percent, followed by Austria at 0.18 percent and Ireland at 0.17 percent. On a per capita basis, Germany paid 155 euros per resident, Ireland 130 euros, and Sweden 94 euros.
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia were the largest net recipients relative to their economies. Luxembourg received the most per resident at 560 euros, followed by Latvia at 547 euros and Estonia at 444 euros.
The sharp reduction reflects both increased EU funding to Finland and lower Finnish contributions. This balancing act demonstrates how EU membership involves both giving and receiving financial support across the bloc.