Overview

Reino Paasilinna (5 December 1939 – 21 July 2022) was a Finnish politician who represented Finland in the European Parliament between 1996 and 2009. He sat as a member of the Social Democratic Party of Finland and belonged to the Party of European Socialists group in the European Parliament. During his time in Brussels and Strasbourg he worked on matters connected with industry, research and energy policy.

Early life and background

Paasilinna's early biography has an unusual detail: he was born on board the ship Aunus, in Arctic waters off the Norwegian coast, a fact sometimes noted in profiles of his life. He belonged to a family active in Finnish cultural life; his younger brother was the novelist Arto Paasilinna. The maritime birthplace is often mentioned alongside his Finnish roots on the border of Nordic and Arctic communities (Norwegian coast).

European Parliament work

As a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Paasilinna served from 1996 until 2009. He was a member of the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, which handles legislation and policy relating to industrial strategy, scientific research funding, technological development and energy policy across the European Union. His tenure covered a period of institutional change and expansion in the EU, with growing emphasis on research, innovation and energy security.

Political alignment and activities

Paasilinna represented the Social Democratic Party of Finland domestically and aligned with the broader social-democratic group at the European level. Members of that political family typically focus on social justice, workers' rights, and regulated market policies while also engaging in debates on technological and industrial transitions. As an MEP, Paasilinna participated in committee work, plenary debates and constituency representation over more than a decade.

Key facts

  • Born: 5 December 1939 (aboard the ship Aunus)
  • Party: Social Democratic Party of Finland (member of the Party of European Socialists)
  • European Parliament: MEP 1996–2009; Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)
  • Family: brother Arto Paasilinna, novelist

Death and legacy

Reino Paasilinna died on 21 July 2022 in Helsinki, Finland, at the age of 81. Reports stated his death followed complications related to Parkinson's disease. He is remembered for his long service at the European level and for being part of a prominent Finnish family that contributed to both politics and literature.