EU pledges to better protect its citizens

In connection with their meeting in Granada, Spain on 6 October, the EU leaders issued a joint declaration on the Union’s priorities for the coming years. It emphasises the need to safeguard the security of EU citizens and guarantee their economic and social wellbeing.

“The European Union must become a stronger geopolitical player. This means strengthening the EU’s economic base, promoting competitiveness, leading the way in clean energy and bolstering our security and defence,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the meeting.

The EU leaders gathered for the informal meeting in Granada to begin work on the more detailed EU strategic agenda for 2024–2029. Along with the starting points for the strategic agenda, the declaration also discussed other topical issues.

The EU leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. They also reaffirmed that the future of the candidate countries is in the EU, noting that enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security and prosperity.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 07 33, Prime Minister's Office