Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses upcoming meeting of EU leaders

On 6 February, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the informal meeting of EU leaders, which will be held in Belgium on 12 February. In a retreat, the EU leaders will explore ways to strengthen the Union’s competitiveness and internal market amid the new geoeconomic situation.

Improving the EU’s strategic competitiveness is one of the key points of the Government’s strategy for influencing EU policies in 2026. It is also among the priorities of the European Council and the European Commission in 2024–2029. In the meeting, the Government updated its positions on both strategic competitiveness and economic security.

In Finland’s view, the changed environment requires an ability to reform so that the EU’s resilience can be strengthened and harmful dependencies reduced. At the same time, the EU should ensure the economic and industrial renewal and better competitiveness of the Union through policies that  support sustainable growth and productivity and promote a level playing field. Finland emphasises a balanced approach that combines market-based solutions and the opening of markets on the one hand, and protection against and management of risks by closer cooperation with third country partners on the other. With regard to strategic competitiveness, efforts should be made to deepen the internal market and to ensure a predictable operating environment for companies.

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 Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office