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

In its meeting on Wednesday 25 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for June European Council to be held on 26–27 June in Brussels. The ministerial committee also discussed preparations for the EU’s next multiannual financial framework.

The June European Council will focus on the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East and on strengthening European defence, security and competitiveness. Other items on the agenda will include preparedness, hybrid activities and internal security, the situations in Moldova and the Western Balkans, and key external relations issues such as the situations in the Sahel, Libya and the Black Sea. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will represent Finland at the meeting.

Finland emphasises that the EU must continue and increase its strong political, economic, and military support as well as material and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Finland is open to various funding solutions to support Ukraine and, in connection with this, to strengthen comprehensive security throughout Europe.

Finland will continue its efforts to increase stability in the Middle East as part of the international community. This is also necessary with a view to defusing wider international tensions. The EU must promote peace, stability and the protection of civilians in the Middle East through all its actions.

In Finland’s view, Europe must quickly strengthen its defence capabilities, especially to respond to the long-term threat posed by Russia. Strengthening the EU’s defence and capabilities also supports NATO’s defence and deterrence.

In Finland’s view, the EU’s strategic competitiveness should be based on further developing the Union’s strengths and implementing market-based solutions. A well-functioning single market with free movement and an effective state aid and competition policy play a key role in promoting predictability and ensuring a favourable investment environment.  

Finland strongly supports the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy. Finland considers it especially important to promote preparedness in the EU and to ensure that the Union takes a comprehensive approach when responding to crises, including through its preparedness strategy. 

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also received an update and exchanged views on the preparations for the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (2028–).

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