Prime Minister Marin to attend European Council meeting

Prime Minister Sanna Marin will represent Finland at the video meeting of the members of the European Council on Midsummer’s Eve on 19 June. At the meeting, the EU leaders will have their first discussion about the COVID-19 recovery package proposed by the European Commission. In addition, the leaders will hear a progress report on the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK and will briefly discuss the continuation of the sanctions introduced in response to Russia’s actions that have destabilised the situation in Ukraine.

The objective of the recovery package proposed by the Commission is to support the revival of the Member States’ economies and the recovery of Europe following the COVID-19 crisis. Finland is open to further work, but cannot accept the Commission’s proposal for a recovery instrument as such. As far as the Multiannual Financial Framework is concerned, Finland’s main questions are related to the moderate overall level, financing for rural development (Pillar II) and conditionality, in particular with regard to the rule of law and climate measures.

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949; Matti Niemi, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 45 679 1717, Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office