Minister for European Affairs Strand to attend General Affairs Council meeting on cohesion policy

Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the EU General Affairs Council meeting on cohesion issues in Brussels on Friday 28 March. At the meeting, the ministers will hold an exchange of views on how to build a more dynamic and strategic cohesion policy in the current and next work periods.

Finland’s position is that the allocation of EU funds should be more strongly aligned with the Union’s strategic priorities. Finland’s goal for the next multiannual financial framework (2028–) is a solution that takes into account the overarching importance of Finland’s eastern border for the EU.

In Finland’s view, it is important to reform the existing EU funding programmes to better meet future challenges. Finland wants to see the defence dimension highlighted as a cross-cutting theme in the financial framework. Finland is open to looking into performance-based models to strengthen the impact of funding in Europe in connection with the next framework.

“When it comes to EU funding, we need to be clear about our priorities. In Finland’s view, more resources should be allocated in the next financial framework period to measures promoting research, innovation and competence, along with digitalisation and the clean transition,” said Minister Strand.

The Council will also approve conclusions on cohesion and cohesion policy post-2027. The conclusions are acceptable to Finland.

In addition, the ministers will exchange views on how improving the effectiveness of cohesion policy can help in dealing with current challenges related to competitiveness, security and European defence.

The aim of the EU’s cohesion policy is to narrow development gaps between regions and to provide a basis for prosperity and wellbeing for people in vulnerable positions. The overall objective is to ensure a better economic, social and regional balance in Europe.

Inquiries: Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302 and Sarita Friman, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 144, Prime Minister’s Office