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Leaders of 17 EU countries emphasise the development of the Single Market in a letter to President Tusk

Government Communications Department
Publication date 27.2.2019 9.55 | Published in English on 27.2.2019 at 13.33
Press release 125/2019

At the initiative of Prime Minister Juha Sipilä, the leaders of 17 EU countries have sent to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, a letter which emphasises the comprehensive development of the Single Market as a key means of improving the Union’s sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

The letter contains the common view of the countries on where the development of the Single Market should be focused over the next five years. This work should, in a balanced way, take into account economic, environmental and social sustainability issues as well as links between different policy areas. Of particular importance is the development of the digital economy and the service economy.

The leaders believe that the EU should also promote international trade agreements and rules, and create conditions for European businesses to succeed and grow in the global market. It is also important that the Union is a strong global player in, for example, the field of artificial intelligence, while at the same time setting ethical standards.

The letter also encourages the upcoming Commission to step up the implementation of jointly agreed decisions at all levels.

The development of the Single Market will be a key theme in Finland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The EU leaders’ joint letter to President Donald Tusk

Inquiries: Jori Arvonen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 320, Niina Nurkkala, Special Adviser (EU Affairs) , tel. +358 50 347 2661, Prime Minister’s Office

 
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