Minister for European Affairs Strand to visit Strasbourg

Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will visit Strasbourg on 11–12 February. The Minister’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with representatives of the European Parliament and Council of Europe. The purpose of the visit is to discuss the goals of Finland's EU policy with the European Parliament. Discussions with the Council of Europe will cover the role of the Council in supporting reforms in EU candidate countries relating to rule of law.

Minister Strand’s schedule includes meetings with the leaders of the political groups in the European Parliament. The Minister will also have a joint meeting with the Finnish Members of the European Parliament. Topics will include competitiveness and trade policy, improving the EU’s security and defence capability, support for Ukraine on its path to a just peace, and the preparation of the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (2028–2034), which is the Union’s long-term budget.

“In these challenging and uncertain times, people see the significance of the EU perhaps more than ever. The unity and ability of the EU to act on both trade policy and security are of primary importance right now. The Union must implement the trade deals negotiated with Mercosur, India and other partners as soon as possible and must also be prepared to negotiate new ones. At the same time, we must remember that by supporting Ukraine, we are supporting European security and holding back the threat posed by Russia,” said Minister Strand.

The Minister's visit will also include a joint meeting with Deputy Secretary-General of the Council Bjørn Berge and the ambassadors of EU candidate countries. The meeting will discuss the EU enlargement process, particularly from the perspective of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as well as the Council's role in supporting necessary reforms.  

“Democracy, the rule of law and human rights are key requirements for EU membership and are the foundation for everything the EU does. The Council of Europe does important work to strengthen these fundamental values in Europe. It is important for us to work more closely together,” said Minister Strand.

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