Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlines Finland’s positions for June European Council

At its meeting on Wednesday 26 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the European Council in Brussels on 27–28 June and discussed Finland’s priorities regarding the EU’s forthcoming strategy for a preparedness union.

Topics on the agenda for the June European Council include Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence and the EU’s competitiveness. The EU leaders will also decide on the Union’s strategic agenda for the next five years and on high-level appointments to EU institutions. The appointments to be decided on in the meeting include the candidate for the next President of the Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the next President of the European Council. 

A key priority for Finland is ensuring the EU’s strong political, economic and military support to Ukraine. With regard to the Middle East, Finland’s view is that the EU must fully support diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of the hostages still in Gaza.

Finland strongly supports measures aimed at increasing the capacity of the European defence industry. On the topic of preparedness, Finland supports a comprehensive, coordinated approach that takes into account all possible threats in line with the policies set out at the March European Council. 

When it comes to strengthening Europe’s strategic competitiveness, Finland emphasises the importance of finding common European solutions for deepening the capital markets and developing a single market based on genuinely equal competition.

The EU’s strategic agenda for the next five years reflects Finland’s key policy priorities well, and Finland is prepared to accept it. Strengthening strategic competitiveness, improving comprehensive security in Europe and promoting the bioeconomy and circular economy are among the priorities included in the programme. 

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also specified Finland’s views on the EU strategy for a preparedness union. The forthcoming strategy for a preparedness union should be based on a comprehensive approach that maps out the threat landscape and assesses potential risks. It should define what the concept of comprehensive security means for the EU and set a common target state at the EU level. Measures to ensure preparedness should focus on areas where the EU can bring added value. These may include securing the functioning of the internal market, safeguarding critical infrastructure and security of supply, ensuring energy security, establishing the role of the private sector and deepening cooperation between the EU and NATO.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949 and Lauri Heikkinen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 295 160 034, Prime Minister’s Office