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Romania, Finland and Croatia announce the EU Trio Programme

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Publication date 11.12.2018 13.57
Press release 594/2018

The focus areas of the Trio Programme prepared by Romania, Finland and Croatia, the next three states to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, include common EU values, sustainable growth and strengthening external capabilities, safety and security.

The EU General Affairs Council approved the Council’s 18-month programme (1 January 2019–30 June 2020) in Brussels today. The trio programme, drawn up by the three consecutive Member States to hold the Council Presidency in cooperation with the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Council, provides guidelines for the Council’s work over the 18-month period.

Finland’s representative at the Council meeting was Minister for European Affairs, Culture and Sport Sampo Terho.

The Trio Programme strengthens the Council’s commitment to the EU’s shared values, such as the principle of the rule of law, and to advancing the multilateral system, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the unity of the union. The Member States that will hold the Presidency are committed to ensuring that the EU works openly, close to its citizens and in accordance with the principles of good administration and better policy.

Finland’s most important priorities feature prominently in the programme. Of particular importance is sustainable growth: promoting the development of internal markets, the digital economy, bioeconomy and circular economy, emphasising the significance of the social dimension and future working life skills, advancing the EU’s position as a global climate leader and reducing black carbon emissions as part of Arctic policy.

When it comes to external relations, the programme focuses on strengthening external capabilities and highlights the importance of growth, safety and security. The programme also emphasises trading policy, defence cooperation, capacity to respond to hybrid threats and improving the efficiency of decision-making, all of which are important priority areas for Finland.

In line with Finland’s objectives, the Trio Programme also takes an integrated approach to migration.

The Presidency Trio is committed to facilitating the completion of negotiations on the Union’s multiannual financial framework for 2021–2027. The Trio States will also continue the efficient handling of the Brexit arrangements while prioritising the cohesion of the EU27.

Finland will present the national focus areas of its Presidency term in its own Presidency programme to be announced in June.

Trio Programme

Inquiries: Satu Keskinen, Head of Unit, tel. +358 295 160 302, Prime Minister’s Office, Jaana Jokelainen, Senior EU Specialist, tel. +358 295 160 329, Prime Minister’s Office

 
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