Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses Copenhagen meetings and 19th EU sanctions package
In its meeting on Tuesday 30 September, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for two upcoming meetings in Copenhagen: the informal European Council on 1 October and the meeting of the European Political Community on 2 October. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed the 19th package of sanctions being prepared in response to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
The informal meeting of the European Council will focus on strengthening European defence and supporting Ukraine.
- In Finland’s view, it is essential that Europe rapidly strengthen its defence capability.
- Finland supports strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base and increasing the capacity of the European defence industry.
- Finland supports solutions that would strengthen European defence and is of the view that support should be targeted at the countries on the eastern frontline.
- Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong, effective and united response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine.
- Finland is strongly committed to supporting Ukraine and is open to various funding solutions, including efforts to use the immobilised assets from the Central Russian Bank to support Ukraine.
- Achieving a just and lasting peace is only possible if Ukraine’s negotiating position is strengthened through military assistance and other support. The EU must put pressure on Russia’s economy by imposing further sanctions on the shadow fleet and the operators behind it.
- In Finland’s view, the EU should move quickly in its accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
The seventh meeting of the European Political Community will focus on how to strengthen Ukraine, the general security situation in Europe and how to make Europe stronger and more secure. The small group discussions at the meeting will focus on different areas of European security, such as security and resilience, economic security, the fight against drug trafficking, and migration.
The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland’s positions on the 19th sanctions package being prepared by the European Commission and the External Action Service in response to Russia’s actions. Finland strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and unequivocally supports Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong, effective and united response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine.
Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 323 9636, Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office