Ministers for European affairs to discuss EU’s next multiannual financial framework

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Friday 18 July. At the meeting, the ministers will hold their first preliminary discussion on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework based on the proposal put forth by the Commission on Wednesday 16 July. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The main topic of the July GAC will be the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF), which extends from 2028 to 2034. The Commission will present its new proposal to the ministers, who will hold a preliminary discussion on the matter. 

The MFF is the cornerstone of the EU’s economic planning, setting the priorities of the Union’s budget and determining how funding will be allocated for the period in question. THE MFF has direct impact on climate action, investments in security and research, and regional development.

“The next financial framework will determine which issues the EU will focus on in the next decade. It is important for Finland that funding is used effectively in a way that complies with the rule of law and supports Europe’s common objectives. We have to make sure that every euro spent brings added value for citizens and the Union as a whole,” said Minister Strand.

The Council will also discuss Spain’s request to amend the EU language regulation to include three official regional languages of Spain – Catalan, Basque and Galician – among the official languages of the EU. Finland considers it important to safeguard cultural and linguistic diversity in the Union. However, Spain’s request should also be examined from the perspective of other European regional and minority languages. More information is needed on the legal, economic and practical impacts of the amendment.

In addition, the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU will inform the GAC about the handling of the simplification agenda during its Presidency. Simplification of EU regulation is one of the main priorities of the Danish Presidency in its efforts to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness. Debate on the topic is set to continue at the GAC meetings in October and December. 

Inquiries: Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office.