Our international work

Brussels Office

The basis for EU advocacy of The Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (AFCM) is to safeguard and develop the operational conditions of Finnish municipalities. The Association has had an office in Brussels to support its EU advocacy since 1992. 

The AFCM Brussels Office brings the views of Finland’s regional and local governments into EU debates and decision making. It seeks to promotes awareness of Finnish municipalities' operations and the special characteristics of Finland’s administrative system as well as make known the Finnish welfare services. 

The office maintains contacts with EU institutions and other partners, engages in international networks, serves as a base and meeting place for the Association's experts and members of Finland’s delegation to the European Committee of the Regions, as well as organizes training, meetings, and seminars on EU-related topics. 

In addition, the office supports the Association’s experts in Finland by providing proactive information on the preparation of EU legislation and programs, as well as on opportunities for influence. 

In Brussels, The AFCM works closely with its European sister organizations, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), and Finnish regional offices. The role of these regional offices is to promote the interests of their respective municipalities, regions, and other potential partners in Brussels. 

Regional offices in Brussels

Contact information

The Association’s Brussels office is located near EU institutions in the "European House of Municipalities," which brings together nearly thirty national association offices representing regional and local governments, as well as offices of various cities. The building also houses the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). 

Ilari Havukainen, Director of Brussels Office
[email protected]

Laura Mäki, Senior Advisor, Green transition
[email protected]

Milla Varjovaara, Intern
[email protected]

Address:

The Association of Finnish Municipalities
Square de Meeûs 1
1000 Brussels, Belgium

(Map)

For more information, you can contact our specialists