Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses next multiannual financial framework

In its meeting on 3 July, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs specified Finland’s positions on the overall level of the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, new own resources and key issues for the negotiations. The ministerial committee also outlined Finland’s positions for three upcoming council meetings.

Finland’s position is that the overall level of the financial framework should remain reasonable. Finland supports measures to modernise the financial framework and update its priorities. Savings should be allocated so that the restructured framework continues to be balanced. Funding should be prioritised in a way that takes into account issues important to both Finland and the rest of Europe, such as defence, security and strategic competitiveness along with support for Ukraine. 

With regard to revenue, i.e. own resources, Finland welcomes the new own resources based on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), non-collected e-waste and the excise duty on tobacco products.

Ireland, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, will continue to work on a compromise for the financial framework until the end of 2026. In the final stage, the MFF negotiations will be led by European Council President António Costa.

The ministerial committee also outlined Finland’s positions for three upcoming meetings: 

• Eurogroup on 9 July and Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) on 10 July
• Informal meeting of employment and social affairs ministers on 5–6 July
• Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (internal market and industry) on 9–10 July 

Discussions at the Eurogroup will focus on the fiscal stance of the euro area, the international role of the euro and the Eurogroup’s work programme. In its meeting in inclusive format, the Eurogroup will discuss the economic impacts of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and their implications for the financial sector, as well as issues related to digital finance.

At the ECOFIN Council, the Irish Presidency will present its work programme in the field of economic and financial affairs. The council will also be invited to approve integrated country-specific recommendations as part of the European Semester. In addition, the council will adopt implementing decisions on modified recovery and resilience plans from Member States including Hungary based on a positive assessment by the Commission.

The informal meeting of employment and social affairs ministers will focus on combating poverty, enforcing occupational safety and health requirements effectively in the changing world of work, and promoting the employment of persons with disabilities.

The informal meeting of competitiveness ministers will focus on mobilising private funding to support the growth of SMEs and speeding up the decarbonisation of industry.

Inquiries: Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 363, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Lauri Heikkinen, Communications Specialist, tel. +358 46 923 5090, Prime Minister’s Office