Prime Minister Orpo highlights Finland’s perspective and EU funding needs in meeting with Taoiseach of Ireland Martin in Finland
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for quick decisions on EU funding when he met with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland Micheál Martin in Helsinki on Tuesday 31 March. Discussions at the meeting focused Ireland’s forthcoming EU Council Presidency, key international issues and bilateral relations between Ireland and Finland.
Ireland will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2026. In preparation for the Presidency, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is travelling to several European capitals. Negotiations on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034 will be under way during Ireland’s Presidency. In Tuesday’s meeting, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo noted that Ireland will play a key role in the negotiations.
“We have to reach an agreement on EU funding by the end of this year. In Finland’s view, the overall level of the proposed financial framework is too high. It is essential to find a level that does not make Finland’s burden of payment unreasonably heavy but enables the implementation of key priorities, such as strengthening defence and competitiveness, and secures our major receipts, such as funding for agriculture. 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 Orpo.
Prime Ministers Orpo and Martin also discussed topical international issues, especially Ukraine and developments in the Middle East.
“We need to deliver the EUR 90 billion in loan financing already promised to Ukraine as soon as possible. At the same time, we need to move forward with the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. Russia is benefiting from high energy prices and the fact that international attention has shifted from Ukraine to the Middle East,” Prime Minister Orpo said.
Finland and Ireland are close partners with a shared recent history in peacekeeping, among other areas. In the discussions, Prime Minister Orpo pointed out that there is potential to boost bilateral trade in a variety of sectors, such as energy solutions, cybersecurity, the pharmaceutical industry and medical technology.
Inquiries: Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 595 7751, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Marko Ruonala, Chief Communications Specialist, tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office