Ministers for European affairs to hold policy debate on next financial framework

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet on Tuesday 26 May in Brussels. Items on the agenda for the meeting include the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034, preparations for the June European Council and the continuation of the annual rule of law dialogue. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Commission submitted its proposal for the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF) in July 2025. The MFF sets maximum expenditure ceilings for different policy areas and serves as a framework for the Union’s annual budgets.

The GAC will hold a policy debate on the financial framework with a particular focus on the EU’s single market. The general priorities of the proposal are worthy of support and in line with Finland’s key EU policy priorities. Finland emphasises the importance of allocating funds in ways that align more strongly than at present with the EU’s key policy priorities, such as improving Europe’s defence and competitiveness. 

“It is essential to find a level that does not make Finland’s burden of payment unreasonably heavy but enables the implementation of key priorities, such as strengthening defence and competitiveness, and secures our most significant receipts, such as funding for agriculture. Particular attention should be paid to Finland’s unique position as both a Member State on the EU’s eastern external border and a net contributor to the EU budget. Finland also supports the goal of strengthening the conditionality of EU funding with regard to the rule of law and fundamental rights,” said Minister Strand. 
 
“Finland supports the Commission’s objective of simplifying access to EU financing, especially for SMEs. Finland also considers it important to improve the availability of risk financing for companies in order to promote innovation. We need to provide research, development and innovation financing based on open competition and a high standard of quality while also leveraging private financing,” Minister Strand continued. 

While in Brussels, Minister Strand will also meet separately with Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin and French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad.

The GAC will begin preparations for the European Council meeting on 18–19 June by discussing its annotated draft agenda. Discussions at the June European Council will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, the next MFF, global economic challenges and European defence and security.

In addition, the GAC will continue its annual rule of law dialogue with country-specific discussions on the situations in France, Croatia, Italy and Latvia.

The ministers will also receive a briefing on the EU-UK relations.

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: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 576 7745, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister’s Office