Ministers for European affairs to prepare for March European Council

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 18 March. Items on the agenda for the meeting include preparations for the March European Council and relations between the EU and the United Kingdom. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The GAC will prepare for the European Council meeting on 20–21 March with a discussion on the Council’s draft conclusions. The main themes of the March European Council will include Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and efforts to strengthen Europe’s defence and competitiveness.

Finland’s position is that the EU must work towards a just and lasting peace in close cooperation with Ukraine and other partners.

“Achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible if Ukraine’s negotiating position is strengthened through military assistance and other support on the one hand and through sanctions that impact Russia’s economic capabilities on the other,” Minister Strand says.

“At the same time, Europe must take resolute action to strengthen its defence. This week, the Commission will issue a White Paper on the future of European defence, along with proposals for the new ReArm Europe plan. It is important to move forward with this work quickly. These initiatives are also linked to our support for Ukraine,” says Minister Strand.

In Finland’s view, the EU’s strategic competitiveness should be based on further developing the Union’s strengths and implementing market-based solutions.

“Concrete measures to strengthen the single market are a key priority for us. Finland stresses the importance of open, rules-based and responsible international trade for Europe’s competitiveness. More work must also be done to promote clean energy investments and to harness the opportunities of the bioeconomy,” Minister Strand says.

The GAC will also discuss relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom. Finland advocates for a strong, broad-based EU-UK partnership. It is important to work towards an EU-UK relationship that is positive and stable.

The GAC will also discuss work related to the 2025 European Semester adopt a joint declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2025. In addition, the GAC will adopt joint conclusions on the Union’s policy objectives and priorities for 2025-2029.

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