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8.5.2026 | The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU will host an informal meeting of ministers for European affairs in Lefkosia on 10–11 May. Discussions at the meeting will focus on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

18.3.2026 | In its meeting on Wednesday 18 March, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the European Council meeting on 19–20 March and the Euro Summit to be held in connection with it. The ministerial committee also discussed the agenda for the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, which will focus on trade.

13.3.2026 | On Friday 13 March, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discussed the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy and outlined Finland’s positions for four council meetings to be held next week. 

Management and organisation of the Prime Minister’s Office The Prime Minister is the head of the Prime Minister's Office. The Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering is responsible for certain EU-related matters and for state ownershi...

15.12.2025 | The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 16 December. At the meeting, the ministers will discuss EU enlargement, hold a policy debate on the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) or long-term budget for 2028–2034, and continue their preparations for the December European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

16.1.2026 | In its meeting on 16 January, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions on the Commission’s proposal for an amendment to the Market Stability Reserve Decision. The proposal aims to curb fluctuations in emission allowance prices when the new emissions trading system for road transport and buildings is launched in 2028.

EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028−2034 One of the key themes defining European policies in the coming years, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the European Union for 2028–2034 will also be a key priority on Finland’s EU agenda...

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Kyiv on 28 May 2025. Finland supports Ukraine On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in breach of the UN Charter and international law. Finland strongly condemns Russia’s military actions in...

25.1.2026 | The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Monday 26 January. The Council will discuss the European Democracy Shield, continue the rule of law dialogue and hear a presentation from the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU on the priorities of its programme. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

22.4.2026 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2027–2030. Both the global economy and Finland’s finances are facing challenges. In its spending limits session, the Government focused on new targeted measures to strengthen people’s confidence in the future and improve the conditions for growth and employment.

14.11.2025 | The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Monday 17 November. The main themes of the meeting will be the EU’s next multiannual financial framework, the annual rule of law dialogue and preparations for the December European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

14.3.2025 | In its meeting on Friday 14 March, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs defined the Government’s main priorities for exerting influence on the European Commission’s work programme for 2025, which was published on 11 February. The Ministerial Committee also discussed the European Commission’s Communication on the Competitiveness Compass and its Vision for Agriculture and Food. In addition, the Ministerial Committee outlined Finland’s positions for four upcoming council meetings.

16.12.2024 | The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 17 December. In their meeting, the ministers will continue preparations for the upcoming European Council and approve conclusions on EU enlargement. Finland’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, Jori Arvonen, will represent Finland at the meeting.

25.6.2025 | In its meeting on Wednesday 25 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for June European Council to be held on 26–27 June in Brussels. The ministerial committee also discussed preparations for the EU’s next multiannual financial framework.

18.6.2025 | In its meeting on Wednesday 18 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions the EU single market strategy and the proposal for a handling fee for goods ordered from outside the EU. The Ministerial Committee also discussed Finland’s positions on the 18th sanctions package currently under preparation and the review of the EU Emissions Trading Directive.

10.10.2024 | The EU home affairs ministers will gather in Luxembourg on 10 October for a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The ministers will discuss the impact of external conflicts on the EU and the development of the external border control, among other things. Minister of Transport, Communications and the Interior Lulu Ranne will represent Finland at the meeting.

26.8.2025 | Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand spoke at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission. Speech check against delivery.

23.4.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2026–2029. The decisions focus on reinforcing the conditions for economic growth and enhancing the security of Finland and the Finnish people. At the same time, the Government will ensure that public finances are sustainable. The growth package will be financed responsibly through measures to increase general government revenue and reduce expenditure.

25.8.2025 | "Finland is advancing the interests of Finland and Finnish businesses in a proactive and forward-looking way, also in the midst of ongoing changes."

18.11.2024 | Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will visit Brussels on 18–19 November. The programme for his visit will include an event focusing on recruiting more Finns to EU institutions, a discussion event on protecting and strengthening European democracy and a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council.