Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses March European Council
At its meeting on Wednesday 19 March, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the March European Council and Euro Summit (20–21 March) and on the EU High Representative’s proposal for increasing military support to Ukraine, which will be discussed at the European Council.
Other topics on the agenda include Ukraine, European defence, the Middle East, competitiveness, the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and new own resources, migration, oceans and multilateralism.
In Finland’s view, it is important to quickly implement the policies on increasing support for Ukraine and developing European defence, which the EU leaders agreed on at the Special European Council on 6 March. The EU is supporting Ukraine on its path to a just and lasting peace by providing military assistance and thereby strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position. Finland tentatively supports the ReArm Europe plan for strengthening European defence presented by the President of the European Commission on 4 March. Discussions at the March European Council will be guided by the White Paper on the Future of European Defence, which the Commission will publish today. The White Paper also highlights the need for strong support to Ukraine.
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 based on free movement plays a key role. Finland places a great deal of importance on developing a Europe-wide capital market and supports measures to complete the capital markets union.
Finland’s position is that the EU must promote peace, stability and the protection of civilians in the Middle East through all its actions. The EU’s support related to respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians is essential. The EU must promote solutions to conflicts in the region that are in line with international law. The EU must do everything it can to support the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages.
Finland is determined to promote solutions that would prevent the use of migration as a tool for exerting influence on the Union. The EU must work towards an effective common return policy.
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.