Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses single market strategy and customs reform
In its meeting on Wednesday 18 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions the EU single market strategy and the proposal for a handling fee for goods ordered from outside the EU. The Ministerial Committee also discussed Finland’s positions on the 18th sanctions package currently under preparation and the review of the EU Emissions Trading Directive.
The Commission issued a communication on the EU single market strategy on 21 May 2025. Finland has taken an active part in the preparation of the strategy, which sets out a new approach to developing the European single market based on nine pillars. Finland emphasises that the single market is more important than ever and plays a crucial role in building competitiveness. Implementing the strategy is essential and will require a clear action plan with concrete objectives and a timetable for developing the single market for goods and services.
On 17 May 2023, the Commission put forth a series of proposals for a reform of the EU Customs Union. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs elaborated on Finland’s position on the new proposal for a handling fee for goods ordered from outside the EU. The ministerial committee stated that Finland supports the proposed new provision on the handling fee. With regard to the allocation of proceeds from the handling fee, Finland’s preference is for a solution where the proceeds would be allocated to the EU budget as universal funding.
In its meeting, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined Finland’s positions on the 18th sanctions package prepared by the European External Action Service and the Commission in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed Finland’s positions for influencing the EU emissions trading scheme.
In addition, the ministerial committee outlined Finland’s positions for the following upcoming meetings:
- Eurogroup on 19 June and ECOFIN on 20 June
- Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June
Items on the Eurogroup’s agenda will include enlargement of the euro area to include Bulgaria, the development of public finances in the euro area member states and the election process for the Eurogroup President. In its inclusive format, the Eurogroup will discuss internal barriers to competitiveness in the single market and receive updates on the technical progress of the digital euro.
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will receive a progress report from the Presidency on the Customs Union reform package. The council will also exchange views on the economic and financial impacts of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and discuss how to lower energy prices in Europe.
The Board of Governors of the European Stability Mechanism and the Board of Governors of the European Investment Bank will also hold their annual meetings in connection with the meeting.
The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and Libya, and China and European security. The discussion on current affairs will focus on the situation in Georgia.
Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 322 9636, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949 and Lauri Heikkinen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 46 923 5090, Prime Minister’s Office