Prime Minister Orpo calls for stronger EU single market – Commission Executive Vice-President Séjourné visiting Finland

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for swift reform of the EU single market in his meeting with Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Stéphane Séjourné on Thursday 12 June in Helsinki. Executive Vice-President Séjourné is responsible for prosperity and industrial strategy.

In their meeting, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, who is from France, discussed the ongoing work to develop the single market and especially European competitiveness.

“A seamless single market, well-functioning capital markets and cutting-edge research and innovation are the key drivers of competitiveness. Private investments play an essential role in this,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

In May, the Commission published a new single market strategy, which Prime Minister Orpo says is very welcome.

“The next step is to put the strategy into practice,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

According to Prime Minister Orpo, practical measures should focus on removing existing barriers within the single market and preventing new ones from emerging. Orpo noted that Finland is doing its part to support the Commission’s work by streamlining regulation and reducing the administrative burden.

Prime Minister Orpo also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, noting that Finland has announced plans to build an AI gigafactory in Finland. “Artificial intelligence is a strategic area where the EU needs to be doing more,” Orpo said.

Prime Minister Orpo and Commissioner Séjourné also discussed the clean transition and bioeconomy, trade negotiations and the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (2028–).

As part of Finland’s work to exert influence in the EU, Prime Minister Orpo has met with several commissioners in the early part of the year and during the spring. According to Orpo, their regular talks will continue.

“Close relations with the Commission bring added value on both sides, as information flows well and we are clear on our common goals,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

During his visit to Finland, Commissioner Séjourné also met with Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman and visit a bioproduct mill in Kemi.

Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 322 9636 and Marko Ruonala, Chief Communications Specialist, tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office