Ministers for European affairs to discuss carbon border adjustment mechanism, rule of law issues and June European Council

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet on Tuesday 27 May in Brussels. Discussions at the meeting will focus on the simplification of the carbon border adjustment mechanism and preparations for the June European Council. In addition, the GAC will continue its annual rule of law dialogue and hold a hearing on respect for EU values in Hungary. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The aim of the meeting is to reach a general approach on simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism. Finland considers the proposal to simplify the mechanism necessary and is in favour of finding solutions for its implementation that reduce the administrative burden overall. In Finland’s view, it is justified to change the threshold of the mechanism so that it would apply to importers whose imports have an emissions content that is significant with respect to the objectives and efficient implementation of the carbon border adjustment mechanism. The most recent compromise proposal put forth by the Presidency is acceptable to Finland. 

The ministers will begin preparations for the European Council meeting on 26–27 June by holding a discussion on the Council’s agenda. Topics on the agenda for the June European Council include Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, the EU in the world, competitiveness and migration. 

The GAC will also hold a hearing on respect for the EU’s values in Hungary. This is the eighth hearing for Hungary so far. No substantive decisions will be made at the meeting, nor will the GAC be formulating a position at this time. Finland will continue to exert influence to ensure strict adherence to the EU’s common values. 

“The EU’s credibility rests on its common values. The rule of law, democracy and fundamental and human rights are not just principles on paper – they are the foundation for the activities of the Union as a whole. Finland will continue its determined efforts to ensure that all Member States adhere strictly to these values. Rule of law issues are non-negotiable, so it is especially important that we continue the rule of law dialogue,” said Minister Strand.

At the meeting, the GAC will continue its annual rule of law dialogue with discussions on the rule of law situation in Finland, Sweden, Slovakia and Belgium.

The council will also discuss Spain’s request to include Catalan, Basque and Galician as official languages and working languages of the EU. 

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: Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister’s Office