European affairs ministers to discuss developments regarding rule of law in Poland

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet on Tuesday 20 February in Brussels. Ministers will discuss developments regarding the rule of law in Poland and start preparations for the European Council meeting in March. The rule of law item was included on the agenda at the request of Poland. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz will represent Finland at the meeting.

Developments regarding the rule of law in Poland was included on the Council agenda at the request of Poland. The Polish government will update ministers as regards its action plan for closing the rule of law procedure and the reforms it has already undertaken. No substantive decisions will be made at the meeting. Finland will continue its long-standing policy with regard to the rule of law, underlining the importance of promoting the rule of law and fighting against corruption in the EU.

“I am very pleased that our important and esteemed EU partner, Poland, is now taking firm action together with the Commission to address our concerns about the rule of law. It is great to see that the planned reforms will truly improve the state of the judicial system. I wish Poland every success in undertaking these reforms,” says Minister Adlercreutz.

The European Council meeting on 22 and 23 March will discuss Ukraine, security and defence, and the Middle East. Other items on the agenda include the European Semester, preparations for the new Strategic Agenda and current foreign policy issues. Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong, effective and united response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine. Finland emphasises that the EU must continue and increase its support to Ukraine. The Finnish Government will decide on more detailed positions for the European Council meeting later.

In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the GAC include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the GAC’s agenda. 

Inquiries: Andreas Elfving, Special Adviser, tel. +358 50 310 0274 and Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302