Prime Minister Orpo to attend informal EU leaders’ retreat in Brussels

The EU leaders will meet for an informal retreat in Brussels on 3 February. The main topic on the agenda will be European defence. The leaders will also meet for discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will represent Finland at the meeting.

The aim of the retreat is for the EU leaders to hold an extensive exchange of views on strengthening European defence. The leaders will approach the issue from a variety of perspectives, including promoting the European defence industry, strengthening the national defence of the Member States, deepening NATO cooperation and increasing defence funding. Continuing support for Ukraine will also be on the agenda.

The retreat will begin with a discussion between the EU leaders and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. In addition to their informal working sessions, the leaders will also have a lunch meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer will join the leaders for dinner.

The retreat will take place at the Palais d’Egmont near the Old Town in Brussels. The palace, which was built in the 16th century, now serves as a guesthouse and conference centre for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Before the retreat, the heads of state of the Nordic countries, the Baltic States, Ireland and Poland will have a separate NBIP8 meeting.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister in European Affairs, tel. +358 40 523 5768, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949 and Marko Ruonala, Project Manager (Communications), tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office