Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses EU Preparedness Union and Internal Security Strategies

In its meeting on Friday 9 May, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions on the Commission’s proposals for a Preparedness Union Strategy and an Internal Security Strategy. The Ministerial Committee also discussed the Common European System for Returns, the EU-UK Summit and e-commerce.

As part of its efforts to influence EU policy, the Finnish Government has worked actively to ensure that the EU pays more attention to improving the comprehensive security of Europeans. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs noted that Finland’s advance influence efforts have been fruitful, as they are clearly visible in the Joint Communication of the European Commission and the External Action Service on the European Preparedness Union Strategy. In line with the strategy, the Member States will continue to bear primary responsibility for preparedness, but the Preparedness Union will bring added value in the form of joint preparedness. Finland supports the strategy, which includes 63 measures to be implemented in 2025–2027.
 
The Preparedness Union Strategy is closely linked to the Commission’s Internal Security Strategy, which was also discussed at the Ministerial Committee’s meeting. The strategy aims to bring about a change of culture around internal security so that all of society is involved: individuals, businesses, the scientific community and civil society. EU-level measures to maintain internal security play a key role.  The strategy promotes comprehensive security both in the Member States and at the EU level. Strengthening comprehensive security in Europe is one of Finland’s main priorities for exerting influence on EU policy this year.  
 
The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland’s position on the Commission’s March proposal for a Common European System for Returns. The proposal would tighten the EU’s return policy and make it more effective by providing the Member States with clear, modern and harmonised rules for managing returns. Finland’s positions will be made public once they have been discussed at a government session.
 
The Ministerial Committee also outlined Finland’s positions on the relationship between the EU and the UK before the first EU-UK Summit on 19 May. The Summit aims to send a strong message on the development of cooperation, especially with regard to foreign, security and defence policy. President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will represent the EU at the Summit. 
 
The Ministerial Committee also discussed the Commission’s communication on a comprehensive set of EU tools to make e-commerce safer and more sustainable. The aim is to ensure that products delivered to the EU comply with the relevant requirements and are in line with fair trading practices. Finland shares the Commission’s concerns about e-commerce and highlights the importance of seeking effective solutions at the EU level. 
 
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