Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to hold talks with the Prime Minister of Finland Mr Matti Vanhanen in Helsinki today.
Mr Ahern made the trip on the eve of Finland assuming the EU presidency for the next six months.
A Government spokesman said the visit provided a good opportunity to present Ireland's position on a broad range of European issues.
The discussions are expected to cover the European Constitution, EU enlargement, competitiveness, justice and home affairs issues, as well as EU external relations.