Ministers for European affairs to prepare for June European Council

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 27 June. The meeting will focus mainly on preparations for the June European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz will represent Finland at the meeting.

Topics on the agenda for the European Council on 29–30 June include Ukraine, the economy, security and defence, migration and external relations. In its meeting on Tuesday, the GAC will discuss the draft conclusions for the June European Council.

In Finland’s view, it is very important for the EU to continue and increase its strong political, economic, and military support and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

With respect to the economy, Finland’s position is that fair competition, a well-functioning single market, active trade policy and the efficient use of existing EU resources form the foundation for the EU’s long-term competitiveness and play a key role in solving current and future challenges. 

When it comes to security and defence, it is of utmost importance that the EU implement the objectives and measures set out in the Strategic Compass to strengthen security and defence cooperation. The Strategic Compass can be characterised as the EU’s defence report, and it spans approximately the next five to ten years. Finland also supports measures aimed at strengthening the capacity of the European defence industry.

In addressing migration issues, Finland emphasises the importance of comprehensive, common European solutions. 

The GAC will receive an update on the European Parliament’s proposal for a reform of European electoral law. Like Finland, many Member States have expressed reservations about the European Parliament’s proposal.

As part of the 2023 European Semester, the GAC is also expected to approve the country-specific recommendations and submit them to the European Council for endorsement. The recommendations are acceptable to Finland.

In addition, the upcoming Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies will present the Council’s programme for the next 18 months.

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 and Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +258 50 576 7745, Prime Minister’s Office