Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses informal European Council in Cyprus

At its meeting on 22 April, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs agreed on Finland’s positions for the informal European Council, where the key topics will be the current geopolitical situation and the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. The Ministerial Committee also discussed a revised proposal on EU military mobility.

The informal European Council will take place in Cyprus on 23 and 24 April. Finland’s positions on the main topics are as follows:

• Ukraine: Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong and united response to Russia’s military attack. A sustainable peace requires strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position through military assistance and other support, as well as sanctions affecting the Russian economy. Finland will continue to support Ukraine’s convergence with the EU.
   
• Middle East: As part of the international community, Finland will continue its efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East. The EU must promote peace, stability and the protection of civilians through all its actions. The EU must promote solutions to conflicts in the region that are in line with international law. In the escalated situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, the EU must actively promote a diplomatic solution together with its partners.
   
• Energy: In Finland's view, further action should be taken to promote clean energy investments. Measures related to renewable energy and energy efficiency should focus on reducing the use of fossil fuels. This will also reduce the EU’s dependency on third countries and strengthen its strategic autonomy.
   
• Multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034: Finland emphasises the importance of allocating funds in ways that align more strongly than at present with the EU’s key policy priorities, such Europe’s defence and competitiveness. Finland is in favour of simplifying the structure of the framework and reducing the number of funding programmes. Finland finds the overall level proposed by the Commission too high. Finland is opposed to the proposal for new loan-financed investment instruments based on joint debt. Finland’s position as a Member State on the EU’s eastern external border, a neighbouring country of Russia and a net contributor to the EU budget must be duly taken into account. The upcoming financial framework, and EU funding more broadly, must be subject to the strictest conditionality that corresponds at least to the current level.

The Ministerial Committee also discussed Finland’s position on the revised regulation proposal on EU military mobility. The Ministerial Committee originally set Finland’s position on 22 January. The position is now being supplemented by a follow‑up Union communication, in particular with regard to the legal basis. The aim of the proposal for the regulation is to create an EU-wide military mobility area where troops and equipment can move around quickly and smoothly. The proposal would remove barriers to mobility and harmonise procedures.

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 Marko Ruonala, Chief Communications Specialist, tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office