Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses proposal to reduce administrative burden on businesses in single market
In its meeting on 22 May, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the Commission’s proposal for the 28th company law regime and Finland’s positions on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive.
The Commission submitted its proposal for the EU’s 28th company law regime (EU Inc.) on 18 March 2026. The proposal would create a new, optional company structure that would operate under a single set of EU-wide rules. The goal is to simplify and accelerate the operations and cross-border expansion of businesses, especially small and innovative startups, within the EU’s single market. The proposal would give companies a uniform, pan-European option that would operate alongside national company structures.
The Government’s position on the proposal will be made public once the Union communication on the matter has been discussed in a plenary session.
The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also specified Finland’s positions on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive. The Commission has announced that it will submit a proposal for a renewable energy framework for the coming decade at the end of 2026.
In addition, the ministerial committee outlined Finland’s positions for four upcoming meetings:
- Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 26 May
- General Affairs Council on 26 May
- Competitiveness Council on 28 and 29 May
- Informal Foreign Ministers’ meeting (Gymnich) on 28 May
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will discuss trade-related agricultural issues.
Finland supports the Commission in quickly finalising the ongoing trade agreement negotiations. The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will also discuss the availability and affordability of fertilisers in the EU.
The General Affairs Council will hold a policy debate on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. The GAC will also begin preparations for the June European Council (18–19 June) by discussing its draft agenda. In addition, the ministers will receive a briefing on the relations between the EU and the United Kingdom and continue their annual rule of law dialogue.
The Competitiveness Council will hold policy debates on the Industrial Accelerator Act and the Commission’s proposal for the 28th EU company law regime. The Council will also approve conclusions on tourism and exchange views on the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on the EU tourism sector. On the second day of its meeting, which will focus on research, the Competitiveness Council will adopt a partial general approach on the Horizon Europe Package put forth by the Commission in July 2025. The ministers will also adopt a Council recommendation on science diplomacy.
The informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) will focus on the geopolitical effects of the crisis in the Middle East crisis, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and security in Europe, including the forthcoming European Security Strategy.
Inquiries: Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 363, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Lauri Heikkinen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 46 923 5090, Prime Minister’s Office