Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses efforts to influence next EU financial framework

On Wednesday 14 May, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed Finland’s work to exert influence on the EU’s next financial framework, the meeting of the European Political Community, efforts to prevent illegal migration and the proposal for new sanctions against Russia.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs rounded out its positions on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF). The Commission is expected to publish its proposal in July. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs noted that Finland is in favour of simplifying the structure of the financial framework, increasing flexibility, strengthening the performance-based approach and maintaining at least the current level of conditionality. The Ministerial Committee elaborated on Finland’s sector-specific positions on issues such as agricultural policy, competitiveness, cohesion policy, support for Ukraine, defence and comprehensive security, transport funding and border security. Exerting influence on the Commission’s proposal for the next financial framework is one of the Government’s key EU policy priorities for 2025.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs agreed on Finland’s objectives for the meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in Tirana, Albania on Friday 16 May. An important topic of discussion at the sixth meeting of the EPC will be European security. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland’s positions on the proposal for a regulation that would provide tools for situations where transport operators are found to be facilitating trafficking in persons or smuggling of migrants. The regulation would also make it possible to address situations where migration is used as a tool for hybrid influence activities. Finland supports the objectives of the regulation and considers it important for the Union to have effective means to address these situations. However, there are still some legal issues that need to be resolved, especially with regard to air traffic rights.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed the 17th sanctions package being prepared in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. 

Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 322 9636, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office