European affairs ministers to discuss Commission work programme and start preparations for European Council

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet on Tuesday 25 February in Brussels. Ministers will exchange views on the European Commission’s annual work programme and start preparations for the European Council in March. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Commission will present its work programme for 2025 to the Council. The ministers will exchange preliminary views on the Commission work programme and on the EU’s annual and multi-annual programming. When it comes to EU policy, Finland wants to see a globally strong and well-functioning European Union that promotes the security, wellbeing and economic interests of its Member States and citizens. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental and human rights are the foundation for all activities of the EU.

Finland’s main priorities with respect to EU policy are to strengthen Europe’s strategic competitiveness, improve comprehensive security in Europe and promote a clean transition while harnessing the opportunities of the bioeconomy and circular economy.

“Finland’s position is that the forthcoming multiannual financial framework should be drawn up in a way that contributes to advancing these priorities. It is an existential question for the EU to continue and strengthen its political, economic and military support to Ukraine for as long as is necessary to achieve a just peace. At the same time, the EU must immediately bolster its defence capability and build a European concept for comprehensive security. It is good that a special European Council will meet to discuss Ukraine and defence already at the start of March,” says Minister Strand.

In addition, the Council will start preparations for the European Council of 20–21 March by discussing an annotated draft agenda. According to the agenda, the European Council will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions and the EU’s continued support for Ukraine. It will take stock of the current developments in the Middle East. The Council will also continue to discuss competitiveness and hold its first debate on the next multiannual financial framework and on new own resources. It will consider the progress made in implementing its conclusions on migration and discuss oceans ahead of the UN Ocean Conference. 

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, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister’s Office