Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses Finland’s priorities for exerting advance influence in the EU in 2025
In its meeting on Friday 14 March, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs defined the Government’s main priorities for exerting influence on the European Commission’s work programme for 2025, which was published on 11 February. The Ministerial Committee also discussed the European Commission’s Communication on the Competitiveness Compass and its Vision for Agriculture and Food. In addition, the Ministerial Committee outlined Finland’s positions for four upcoming council meetings.
The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs set the following priorities for exerting influence on the European Commission’s work programme for 2025:
- The EU multiannual financial framework 2028–
- Comprehensive security in Europe, with a focus on defence, external border security and general preparedness
- Simplifying regulation and improving the efficiency of implementation as part of the work to strengthen strategic competitiveness
Along with the 2025 priorities, Finland’s efforts to exert influence are guided by Finland’s policy priorities for the 2024–2029 EU parliamentary term, which were outlined in January 2024. These policy priorities are to strengthen Europe’s strategic competitiveness, improve comprehensive security in Europe and promote a clean transition while harnessing the opportunities of the bioeconomy and circular economy.
In line with the government resolution on the matter, Finland draws up an annual, concrete strategy for exerting influence in the EU. The Government will prepare a separate report to Parliament on each of the three main priorities for exerting influence in the EU in 2025. Individual proposals by the Commission are always addressed separately.
The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also discussed the Commission’s 29 January 2015 communication on the European Competitiveness Compass. The Commission will later present more specific proposals for strengthening competitiveness, and Finland will formulate its positions on these separately. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs affirmed that Finland wants to see a globally strong and well-functioning European Union that promotes the security, wellbeing and economic interests of its Member States and citizens. 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 based on free movement is especially important.
The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also discussed the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, presented on 19 February 2025, which outlines the future of the sector until 2040 and provides guidelines for the next reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. The vision is largely in line with Finland’s objectives. Finland will comment later on the Commission’s more specific proposals, including the financing of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy as part of the next multiannual financial framework.
In addition, the Ministerial Committee outlined Finland’s positions for the following upcoming meetings:
• Foreign Affairs Council on 17 March
• Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) on 17 March
• General Affairs Council on 18 March
• Informal meeting of transport ministers on 17–18 March
The Foreign Affairs Council will focus on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, EU-US relations, the situation in the Middle East, and Iran. The energy ministers will discuss the action plan for affordable energy and the state of energy security in the EU. The General Affairs Council will prepare for the March European Council and discuss the state of relations between the EU and the UK. The informal meeting of transport ministers in Warsaw will focus on developing dual-use European transport infrastructure, strengthening military mobility and improving the cyberresilience of the transport sector in the EU.
Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 444, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office
Agendas for the meetings of the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs are published (in Finnish) on the Government website.