Ministers for European affairs to discuss next multiannual financial framework and June European Council

The EU General Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 16 June. The main items on the agenda include the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 and preparations for the June European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

Based on the negotiating box drafted by the Cyprus Presidency, the General Affairs Council (GAC) will hold a policy debate on the MFF. The draft will provide the first preliminary figures for the MFF.

The priorities of the Commission’s proposal for the MFF are worthy of support and in line with Finland’s EU policy priorities. However, Finland finds the overall level proposed by the Commission too high. Finland emphasises the importance of allocating funds in ways that align more strongly than at present with the key priorities, such as improving Europe’s defence and competitiveness. It is essential to find a level that does not make Finland’s burden of payment unreasonably heavy but enables the implementation of key priorities and secures the major receipts, such as funding for agriculture.

“Particular attention should be paid to Finland’s unique position as both a Member State on the EU’s eastern external border and a net contributor to the EU budget. It is also important for Finland that the upcoming financial framework and other related EU funding are subject to the strictest conditionality that corresponds at least to the current level, including conditionality linked to compliance with the rule of law,” says Minister Strand.

Finland supports the President’s objective to adopt partial general approaches on the NRPP Regulation, the European Competitiveness Fund and the Global Europe instrument included in the MFF.

The GAC will prepare for the European Council meeting on 18–19 June with a discussion on the Council’s draft conclusions. Discussions at the June European Council will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, the next MFF, competitiveness, global economic challenges and European defence and security.

“We must continue to step up efforts that can weaken and limit Russia's ability to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine and maintain the industry that supports it. Finland will also continue its strong support for Ukraine’s EU integration. I am very pleased that the EU has been able to officially open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova. We hope to see rapid progress also in other clusters,” says Minister Strand.

The CAG will also take stock of progress in areas such as simplification of EU regulation and the rule of law situation in Hungary.

In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the GAC include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the GAC’s agenda.

Inquiries: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 576 7745, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister’s Office