Ministers for European affairs to discuss EU’s next multiannual financial framework

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 21 October. Topics on the agenda will include the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034, preparations for the October European Council, respect for the EU’s values in Hungary and measures to simplify EU regulation. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Commission submitted its proposal for the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF 2028–2034) in July of this year. Negotiations on the proposed MFF are currently taking place at the ministerial level in the GAC. Ultimately, the package will be agreed on unanimously by the Member States at the European Council towards the end of 2026 at the earliest.

The GAC will hold a policy debate on the next financial framework with a focus on the horizontal elements of the proposal, such as competitiveness and security, as well as measures to improve them. The general priorities of the Commission’s proposal for the financial framework are worthy of support and in line with Finland’s EU policy priorities. Finland emphasises the importance of allocating funds in ways that align more strongly than at present with the EU’s key policy priorities, such as improving Europe’s defence and competitiveness. Finland supports the Commission’s proposal to simplify the structure of the financial framework. However, the overall level of the framework is too high.

“It is essential to find a level that does not make Finland’s burden of payment unreasonably heavy but enables the implementation of key priorities, such as strengthening defence and competitiveness, and secures our most significant receipts, such as funding for agriculture. Particular attention must be paid to Finland’s unique position as both a Member State on the EU’s eastern external border and a net contributor to the EU budget,” said Minister Strand.

In Finland’s view, it is important that the financial framework and related EU funding be subject to as strong conditionality as possible, at least the current level, including conditionality linked to compliance with the rule of law. 

The General Affairs Council will discuss the draft conclusions of the European Council meeting to be held on 23–24 October. Topics on the agenda for the European Council include Ukraine, the Middle East, defence and security, competitiveness and the twin transitions.

Finland emphasises that the EU must maintain a high level of ambition in its support for Ukraine. Finland is strongly committed to supporting Ukraine and its reconstruction and is open to various funding solutions to achieve this goal. Finland takes a constructive view of efforts to use frozen Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine and considers the Commission’s recent initiative to be a step in the right direction and a good basis for further work. Finland considers it essential for Europe to strengthen its defence capabilities quickly, especially to respond to the long-term threat posed by Russia. In Finland’s view, the EU’s strategic competitiveness should be based on further developing the Union’s strengths and implementing market-based solutions. Finland highlights the importance of taking concrete measures to strengthen the single market and emphasises the need to seek growth, for example through digitalisation. A consistent and predictable climate policy also supports the EU’s competitiveness.

The Council will receive a state of play report from the Presidency on the omnibus packages aiming to simplify legislation. Finland supports the Commission’s goals of simplifying regulation and reducing the administrative burden. To boost strategic competitiveness, measures to simplify regulation should also aim for a more predictable and stable operating environment for businesses. 

The European affairs ministers will also hold their ninth hearing on respect for the EU’s values in Hungary. Finland will continue to exert influence to ensure strict adherence to the EU’s common values. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental and human rights are the foundation for all activities of the EU.

In connection with the meeting, the ministers will have a working lunch to discuss the European Democracy Shield, a forthcoming proposal by the Commission aimed particularly at combating information manipulation and disinformation.

In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the GAC include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the GAC’s agenda.

Inquiries: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 576 7745, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister’s Office