Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses October European Council

The meeting of the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs on Wednesday 22 October focused on the October European Council and the Euro Summit, the next multiannual EU budget and next week's Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined Finland's positions for the October European Council (23 and 24 October), which will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness and dual transition, housing and migration. The Euro Summit will discuss the economic situation and the international role of the euro.

•    EU leaders will discuss the Commission's initiative to make better use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine with a so-called reparations loan. 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 its reconstruction and is open to various funding solutions to support Ukraine and, in connection with it, to strengthen Europe's comprehensive security.

•    Finland considers it essential for Europe to strengthen its defence capabilities quickly, especially to respond to the long-term threat posed by Russia. In this context, Finland considers important the Commission’s Communication “Preserving Peace – Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030”. Finland places particular emphasis on the significance of the Eastern Flank Watch initiative and the European Drone Defence Initiative for European security. In strengthening European defence, it is essential to target support specifically at countries on the eastern frontline.

•    In Finland’s view, the EU’s strategic competitiveness should be based on further developing the Union’s strengths and implementing market-based solutions.

•    Finland will continue its efforts to increase stability in the Middle East as part of the international community.

•    Finland emphasises that the target of climate neutrality by 2050, set out in the European Climate Law, has already established a long-term climate objective for the Union. Finland supports the Commission's proposal to set for the EU a net emission reduction target of 90 per cent by 2040, covering both emissions and removals, provided that the Commission’s future work is guided by principles that adequately take into account uncertainties in the land use sector, technology neutrality, cost-effectiveness and technological carbon sinks.

In addition, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discussed the Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, which was presented in the summer. The Committee outlined its first Union communication to Parliament on this matter. It includes a proposal for a regulation on the financial framework, a proposal for a decision on the system of the Union's own resources and an interinstitutional agreement on budgetary cooperation.

Finally, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council next week. Its topics will include fishing quotas in the Baltic Sea for 2026, the ICCAT annual meeting, the market situation in agriculture and the CAP’s green architecture after 2027.

Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 322 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