Ministers for European affairs to prepare for March European Council

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 19 March to prepare for the March European Council, discuss measures related to the 2024 European Semester and exchange views on the future of Europe. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz will represent Finland at the meeting.

The main topics on the agenda at the European Council meeting on 21–22 March will be the situation in Ukraine, security and defence and the situation in the Middle East. Finland emphasises the need for the EU to continue its strong political, economic, and military support to Ukraine and ramp up its sanctions on Russia. Russia’s aggression and the changed security environment mean the EU must take long-term action in the field of security and defence. Finland supports efforts to improve the EU’s preparedness for crises. Promoting the comprehensive security model is a key priority in the EU’s forthcoming strategic agenda. The next Commission should submit a proposal on creating a preparedness union based on a comprehensive security approach. With regard to the Middle East, Finland supports the EU’s strong, united action.

“Finland's policy is clear: the whole EU must commit to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary. A united European voice is also important for our other foreign policy challenges, such as urgently improving the situation in the Middle East,” says Minister Adlercreutz.

The GAC will review the synthesis report drawn up by the Belgian Presidency on the contributions of various council formations to the 2024 European Semester. The Presidency will also present an updated roadmap for the 2024 European Semester. 

The General Affairs Council will continue to discuss the future of the EU, especially from the perspective of its enlargement. Finland’s view is that enlargement based on the applicant countries’ merits and fulfilment of membership criteria strengthens the Union’s security, global status and economic wellbeing while also promoting democracy, the rule of law and the realisation of fundamental rights. In the current geopolitical situation, Finland especially emphasises the importance of Eastern and Northern Finland for the security of the whole of Europe. Finland stresses that the EU enlargement would mean a larger single market and new growth opportunities for Finnish companies.

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, tel. +358 50 576 7745 and Andreas Elfving, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 50 310 0274, Prime Minister’s Office