Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses Special European Council
At its meeting on Wednesday 5 March, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the Special European Council on Thursday 6 March in Brussels, where the EU leaders will discuss Ukraine and European defence.
In Finland’s view, the significant changes in the European security environment mean that the EU should be a stronger geopolitical player. The changes are the result of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the intensifying competition between great powers.
Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine. The EU must work towards a just and lasting peace in close cooperation with Ukraine and other partners. Ukraine's negotiating position must be strengthened through military assistance and other support and by imposing sanctions that impact Russia’s economic capabilities.
Finland is open to various funding solutions to support Ukraine and strengthen comprehensive security throughout Europe. The changed situation means that Europe’s military capabilities must be improved and increased.
Finland will promote the mutually complementary cooperation between NATO and the EU that reinforces transatlantic burden sharing. Finland supports efforts to promote the EU’s partnerships, especially with NATO, the United States, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom.
Finland wants to see cooperation between the EU and the United States that is as close as possible. The United States’ commitment to Europe, through both bilateral arrangements and NATO, is of central importance to security in Europe and Finland.
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
The agenda for the meeting of the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs is available (in Finnish) on the Government website.