Finland: Bucking the economic trend

While all the other major European economies have been placed on negative outlook by the rating agencies by the summer of 2012, Finland has maintained its stable position. DW looks at what gives the Finnish economy the edge.

Finland reached a deal with Greece and Spain to get collateral in exchange for its share in any bailout packages in 2012. The deals are controversial, with critics worried that they may herald a quiet Finnish exit from the euro. In a SPIEGEL interview, Finance Minister Jutta Urpilainen, 36, defended the policy, saying her country wanted to keep the euro intact.

• Primary Source

Spiegel Online International, 24.7.12: 'Our Solidarity Is Limited'. Interview with Finland's Finance Minister http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/finnish-finance-minister-defends-debt-agreements-with-spain-and-greece-a-846096.html

Helsingin Sanomat, 1.8.12: Chancellor of Justice investigating legality of ESM decision http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Chancellor+of+Justice+investigating+legality+of+ESM+decision/1329104537101

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