PROCEDURE
On
30 January 1998, the government introduced the ratification bill
on the basis art. 69 of the Parliament Act. The parliament approved
the bill on 15 June 1998 with the necessary 2/3 majority (110 votes
in favor, only 4 against, while 85 members not participating). Art.
22a of the constitution provides the possibility of nonbinding referenda.
However, contrary to the discussion on EU membership, this time
there was no initiative to submit the treaty to a referendum. According
to Art. 33 of the Constitution Act, the president is responsible
for Finland’s foreign policy. The ratification process formally
ends when he signs the law - as happened on 10 July 1998. |
