East German-Finnish Youth Contacts in the Cold War (1962-1973)

This paper deals with the role of East German-Finnish youth contacts during the Cold War (1962-1973). After the Second World War, two German states emerged. Both strove for global recognition as independent states. Until 1973, Finland was the only country that did not recognise either the GDR or the FRG as an independent German state. Due to its political neutrality, the Republic of Finland maintained equal and friendly relations with both German states on a non-diplomatic level. Both the GDR and the FRG tried to win Finland over and therefore competed for Finland's favour. During the Cold War, the Hallstein Doctrine in West Germany prevented Finland from recognising the GDR. Cultural contacts between the GDR and Finland involved great efforts on the part of East Germany to achieve diplomatic recognition, which was acquired in 1973. Peace, friendship and solidarity were the most important building blocks for cultural contacts. This also applied to East German-Finnish youth contacts.