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Ministers for European Affairs to discuss preparations for European Council and rule of law dialogue

Government Communications Department
Publication date 18.10.2021 12.09 | Published in English on 19.10.2021 at 9.15
Press release 598/2021

In their meeting in Luxembourg on 19 October, the General Affairs Council will discuss the preparations for the October European Council, the annual rule of law dialogue and the Conference on the Future of Europe. Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Ministers for European Affairs will discuss the draft conclusions of the October European Council to be held on 21–20 October. Topics on the agenda for the European Council will include the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital transformation, rising energy prices, migration, and trade and external relations.

“We have all noticed the increase in energy prices. It is important to increase the proportion of renewable and other emission-free energy sources in the energy mix. This will also protect us from price shocks in the longer term,” says Minister for European Affairs Tuppurainen. 

The General Affairs Council will also hold its annual rule of law dialogue based on the Communication issued by the European Commission in July. The discussion at the meeting will focus on the general part of the Communication. The dialogue will continue in November with discussions on the country-specific chapters of the Report on the Rule of Law.

“We must continue our efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Europe. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental and human rights are the foundation for all activities of the EU. They must be taken into account in all activities of the Union and its Member States,” Minister for European Affairs Tuppurainen emphasises.

The General Affairs Council will also receive an update on the progress of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The Citizens’ Dialogues are currently under way both at the EU level and in the Member States. The next Plenary Session of the conference will be held on 22–23 October in Strasbourg and via remote connections.

Inquiries: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 476, Pilvi-Elina Kupias, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 995, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733

 
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