Ministers for European affairs to prepare for October European Council and discuss efforts to combat antisemitism

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 15 October. The meeting will focus mainly on preparations for the October European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The main themes of the European Council on 17–18 October will be Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and migration. 

Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong, effective and united response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine. The strong political, financial and military support of the EU and its humanitarian aid to Ukraine must be continued and increased. Finland supports Ukraine’s initiative for a just and lasting peace. In Finland’s view, the significant changes in the operating environment brought on by the war in Ukraine highlight a clear need to increase the capacity of the European defence industry.

“In this geopolitical situation, the EU must strengthen the capacity of its defence industry and ensure continued united and strong support for Ukraine. We must also promote peace and stability in the Middle East, focus on protecting civilians, and try to find diplomatic solutions to a very difficult situation,” says Minister Strand.

With regard to the Middle East, 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 must support diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza and a lasting two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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 and an effective state aid and competition policy play a key role in promoting predictability and ensuring a favourable investment environment.

With regard to migration issues in the EU, Finland emphasises the importance of taking a comprehensive approach in which measures are promoted both within the EU and in relations with third countries.

The meeting also aims to adopt the Council declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism. Finland is prepared to accept the declaration.

The Commission will present a progress report to the GAC on relations between the European Union and Switzerland. The Commission’s briefing is expected to focus on the ongoing EU-Switzerland negotiations.

In addition, the GAC will approve integrated country-specific recommendations as part of the European Semester 2024.

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