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Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined positions for special meeting of European Council

Government Communications Department
Publication date 8.2.2023 11.52 | Published in English on 8.2.2023 at 14.00
Press release

On Wednesday 8 February, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs agreed on positions for the special meeting of the European Council to be held on 9–10 February and for the meetings of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) and the Eurogroup to be held on 13–14 February.

The topics on the agenda of the special meeting of the European Council are Ukraine, improving the EU’s global competitiveness, measures to support the economy, and migration. The situation following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and related assistance measures will also likely be discussed.

Finland emphasises that the EU must continue and increase its strong political, economic, and military support and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The EU must consistently ramp up sanctions against Russia as its aggression continues. Finland supports efforts to bring Russia and its representatives to justice for the illegal war of aggression and its impacts, including by requiring Russia to pay compensation for the damage caused by the war.

Finland considers that a well-functioning single market, an active trade policy and the efficient use of existing EU resources form the foundation for the EU’s long-term competitiveness and play a key role in solving current and future challenges. Finland emphasises the importance of skills to competitiveness and the availability of labour. Finland sees no need for a fundamental change in the EU’s state aid policy at this time.

Finland considers it important to seek comprehensive European solutions to migration issues. The key is to create equal and sustainable partnerships with countries of origin and transit. Particular attention should be paid to the development of an effective and sustainable return system.  

The topics on the agenda of the Ecofin Council include an exchange of views on the economic policy coordination framework and the economic and financial impacts of the Green Deal Industrial Plan published by the Commission. The topics on the Eurogroup's agenda include developments in energy markets and their impact on fiscal policy in the euro area, discussion of the euro area labour markets and economic and financial market development in the euro area.

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949, Saara Pokki, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 478 6363 and Rami Kurth, Communications Specialist (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 465 7963, Prime Minister’s Office
 

 
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