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Ministers for European affairs to prepare for June European Council

Government Communications Department
Publication date 20.6.2022 15.36 | Published in English on 20.6.2022 at 16.26
Press release 401/2022
Photo: Phil Behan

The EU General Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 21 June. The topics on the agenda will be the preparation of the June European Council, the recommendations of the European Semester, the way forward on the Conference on the Future of Europe, and the transparency of political advertising. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen will represent Finland at the meeting.

The ministers will discuss the draft conclusions of the European Council to be held on 23–24 June. The topics on the agenda of the of the European Council will be Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Western Balkans, the economic situation, the Conference on the Future of Europe, and a strategic discussion on the European Union’s relations with its partners in Europe. The EU leaders will also discuss the EU membership applications submitted by Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

“The General Affairs Council has an exceptionally weighty agenda this week. Finland is actively taking part in this week’s discussions on matters ranging from EU enlargement to the direction of the EU’s future. Russia’s cruel war of aggression continues in Ukraine. Ukraine needs concrete support from the EU, but also a strong message that we recognise the country’s efforts on its European path,” said Minister Tuppurainen.

The ministers plan to approve the country-specific recommendations for the European Semester and transmit them to the European Council for the leaders’ endorsement. Finland can adopt the country-specific recommendations. The European Semester is an annual process in which the EU coordinates and monitors economic policy.  

Ministers will continue to exchange views on the Conference on the Future of Europe and will prepare the European Council's discussion on the topic. 

France, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, will also inform the Council of the proposal for a regulation on transparency in political advertising. 

The ministers will also receive a briefing on the relations between the EU and the United Kingdom.

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, Saara Pokki, Special Adviser, tel. +358 50 478 6363, Prime Minister’s Office 
 

 
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