Preparations for EU summits at the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs
At its meeting on Tuesday 15 October, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the items on the agenda of the October European Council (17–18 October) and of the European Council in EU27 format, i.e. without the UK.
The discussions on the next multiannual financial framework of the EU will be based on a paper prepared by the Finnish Presidency, to be presented to the European Council by Prime Minister Antti Rinne. Prime Minister Rinne will also give the EU leaders a report on the work done during the Finnish Presidency to implement the Strategic Agenda of the EU (2019–2024). The European Council adopted the agenda in June, which means that Finland is the first Presidency that is integrating its priorities into the Council’s work. The European Council will also discuss the international dimensions of climate policy and the situation in Turkey and Syria.
Another item again on the EU leaders’ agenda is Brexit. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs received an update on the negotiations and on Finland’s preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit, i.e. UK’s withdrawal without an agreement. In Finland each government ministry is responsible for the preparations regarding its administrative branch.
In addition, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the Employment and Social Policy Council (24 October), which will adopt conclusions on the Economy of Wellbeing and on the future of work and EU support for the implementation of the Centenary Declaration of the UN’s International Labour Organisation ILO. The Council will also discuss ways to enhance anti-discrimination, skills and labour market needs in the changing world, and a strategic approach to continuous life-long learning.
Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949, Pilvi-Elina Kupias, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 995, Kare Halonen, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 319, Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister's Office