Alternative to the EU Information Centre

The Alternative to the EU Information Centre (Finnish: Vaihtoehto EU:lle Tiedotuskeskus, VEU) is a Finnish citizens' organization founded in 1991. Its stated aim is to bring forward alternative, critical information about the development of the European Union. VEU distributes information about the EU and its decision-making and promotes public discussion about the union. Originally established as the Alternative to the EC organization (Vaihtoehto EY:lle), it grew into Finland's largest movement opposing EC membership. The organization attracted activists from citizens' movements and political parties across a broad spectrum. Unlike smaller similar groups, VEU continued its activities after the lost referendum. In 1996 it participated in Finland's first European Parliament elections with its own list, receiving 47,687 votes (2.12%). The VEU's ten-person list included candidates from several parties (including Sami Aaltonen, Thomas Wallgren and Asser Siuvatti), but the organization's Left Alliance members decided to participate in the elections on their own party's list. Until 2012, the association published a quarterly magazine, Vaihtoehto EU:lle, established in 1992. The organization has had several chairs over the years, including Ulla Klötzer (until 2005), Urho Kittilä (2005–2006), Lea Launokari (2006–2007), Mirva Tossavainen (2007–2008), Olli Salin (2008–2013), Arjo Suonperä (2013–2019), and Miguel López (2019–).

The Alternative to the EU Information Centre (VEU) was founded in 1991 as the Alternative to the EC organization (Vaihtoehto EY:lle), during the period when Finland was considering membership in the European Communities. It grew into Finland's largest movement opposing EC membership, drawing activists from citizens' movements and political parties across a broad spectrum. Unlike smaller similar groups, VEU continued its activities after the lost referendum on EU membership. In 1996, VEU participated in Finland's first European Parliament elections with its own list, receiving 47,687 votes (2.12%). The ten-person list included candidates from several parties, such as Sami Aaltonen, Thomas Wallgren and Asser Siuvatti, but the organization's Left Alliance members decided to run on their own party's list instead. Until 2012, the association published a quarterly magazine called Vaihtoehto EU:lle, which had been established in 1992. The organization has been led by several chairs over the decades: Ulla Klötzer until 2005, Urho Kittilä from 2005 to 2006, Lea Launokari from 2006 to 2007, Mirva Tossavainen from 2007 to 2008, Olli Salin from 2008 to 2013, Arjo Suonperä from 2013 to 2019, and Miguel López from 2019 onwards.

• 2012

  Publication of the quarterly magazine Vaihtoehto EU:lle ends.

• 1996

  Participates in Finland's first European Parliament elections with its own list, receiving 47,687 votes (2.12%).

• 1992

  The quarterly magazine Vaihtoehto EU:lle is established.

• 1991

  Founded as the Alternative to the EC organization (Vaihtoehto EY:lle).

Critical, alternative information on the European Union and promotion of citizen debate.

• Vaihtoehto EU:lle magazine

  Quarterly magazine published until 2012, established in 1992.

1. 1VEUveu.fi
2. 2Alternative to the EU Information Centrewikidata.org
3. 3Vaihtoehto EU:lle Tiedotuskeskusfi.wikipedia.org