Minister of Economic Affairs Puisto in Dublin at meeting of EU competitiveness ministers
An informal meeting of the EU competitiveness ministers responsible for research and innovation takes place In Dublin on 20–21 July 2026. Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto represents Finland at the meeting.
The discussions will take place under the heading ‘One Europe, One Market’. The aim is to improve the movement of information, research and innovation in the EU. Means are also sought to strengthen the EU’s innovation capability.
Finland stresses that the European Research Area must work well in practice: companies and research organisations must have access to competence and infrastructures and use them effectively to strengthen sustainable growth, employment and the development of society. It is crucial to improve the quality and impact of European research and innovation activities.
In the Finnish view, the regulation must be such that it supports innovation. In legislative preparation it must be ensured that new solutions will enter the market fast and companies have a clear framework for developing and testing technologies.
Finland considers that startup and scaleup companies need well-functioning and cost-effective access to the EU’s research, testing and piloting infrastructures. The means to boost the development and commercialisation of high-technology and high value-added solutions include high-performance computing and the use of artificial intelligence and quantum environments.
In Dublin, Minister of Economic Affairs Puisto will also meet Finland’s Ambassador to Ireland Leena Gardemeister.
Inquiries
Lotta Laitinen, Special Adviser (questions to the Minister of Economic Affairs), tel. +358 295 049 058
Riikka Astala, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 057
Saara Vihko, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 295 330 005