Ministers for European Union affairs to discuss EU enlargement and next multiannual financial framework

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 16 December. At the meeting, the ministers will discuss EU enlargement, hold a policy debate on the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) or long-term budget for 2028–2034, and continue their preparations for the December European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The ministers are expected to approve Council conclusions on EU enlargement, which will also be the topic of a strategic debate at the December European Council. 

“Enlargement is a significant geopolitical issue for Finland and the EU. Finland advocates for a credible enlargement policy based on EU membership criteria, with special emphasis on the importance of democratic institutions and rule of law reforms,” said Minister Strand.

With respect to the next MFF, 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.

“The general priorities of the MFF proposal are worthy of support and in line with Finland’s key EU policy priorities. Particular attention should 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.

Finland supports efforts to simplify the structure of the financial framework and is in favour of the measures proposed by the Commission to strengthen the rule of law and fundamental rights. The level of the EU budget must remain reasonable. 

At the meeting, the GAC will continue preparations for the December European Council meeting by discussing draft conclusions. The European Council on 18–19 December will focus on Ukraine, European defence and security, and the next multiannual financial framework.

“The most pressing issue is how to respond to Ukraine’s financing needs in 2026–27. Last Friday, the EU decided to keep the Russian Central Bank assets frozen for as long as necessary. This week, we need to take the next step and reach a general approach on the reparations loan for Ukraine,” said Minister Strand.

The GAC will also discuss progress on efforts to simplify regulation and receive a briefing on the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester. In addition, the GAC will approve a joint declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2026.

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