Åland Islands and Their Status within the European Union

This one case study deals with the topic of accession of the Åland Islands – autonomous part of the Republic of Finland – to the European Union (EU). The authors describe and explain specific conditions defining specifics of the Islands. Subsequently follows analysis of the accession process, main issues connected with the membership as well as current situation of the Islands in the EU. The text then proceeds to the evaluation of how the Åland Islands have managed to use privileges linked to their autonomous status in Finland in issues related to EU membership.