Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses frozen Russian assets and EU multiannual financial framework

In its meeting on Friday 12 December, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs decided that Finland would support the European Commission’s proposal to allow a qualified majority vote on keeping immobilised Russian assets frozen indefinitely.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed the Commission’s proposal for the EU’s next multiannual financial framework and the agendas for four upcoming council meetings.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs continued outlining Finland’s positions on the European Commission’s proposal for the multiannual financial framework, which will serve as the Union’s long-term budget for 2028–2034. At this meeting, the ministerial committee formulated positions on two proposals for regulations:

• Proposal for a regulation on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund
• Proposal for a regulation on Horizon Europe 

The ministerial committee’s Union communications on the proposed regulations will become public once they have been discussed in a government session.
 
The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland’s positions for four council meetings taking place in the coming week: 

• Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) on 15 December
• Foreign Affairs Council on 15 December
• Environment Council on 16 December
• General Affairs Council on 16 December

In their meeting, the EU energy ministers are expected to reach a partial general approach on the Connecting Europe Facility. The energy ministers will also hold a policy debate on the European grids package. The third item on the agenda is an exchange of views on the link between energy and security with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. 

Items on the agenda for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting include Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, China, and the situation in the Middle East. The Ministers will also have an informal exchange over breakfast with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

The EU environment ministers will approve Council conclusions on ‘Europe’s Environment - Building a more circular and resilient Europe’. The ministers will also exchange views on the EU bioeconomy strategy.

The General Affairs Council will hold a policy debate on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework. The ministers will also approve Council conclusions on EU enlargement. In addition, the GAC will continue preparations for the December European Council meeting by discussing draft conclusions.
 
Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 322 9636, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Lauri Heikkinen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 45 923 5090, Prime Minister’s Office