Minister Strand and Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne to meet in Helsinki

Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand and Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne will meet in Helsinki on Wednesday 4 June. Their discussions will focus on the current EU agenda, Ireland’s forthcoming EU Council Presidency and bilateral relations between Ireland and Finland.

Topical issues on the agenda for the meeting include support for Ukraine, strengthening European security and defence, competitiveness, rule of law issues and EU enlargement.

“Finland and Ireland are like-minded Member States in many respects. We see a fair and effective single market as the foundation for the EU’s competitiveness. Safeguarding the rule of law and EU enlargement are also important objectives for both countries,” Minister Strand said.

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026, when negotiations on the Union’s next multiannual financial framework (2028–) will feature prominently on the EU 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