Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlines Finland’s positions ahead of Granada meetings

In its meeting on Tuesday 3 October, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the meetings to be held in Spain at the end of the week. The committee also discussed ways to exercise influence on the EU’s climate target for 2040.

The third meeting of the European Political Community will take place in Spain, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, on Thursday 5 October. Along with the leaders of the EU Member States and EU institutions, representatives from 20 other European countries have been invited to attend. In Finland’s view, the meeting will promote close cooperation and exchange of views between the EU and its European partners. An important priority for Finland at the meeting is strengthening Europe-wide support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will represent Finland at the meeting.

The informal meeting of the European Council on Friday 6 October will begin with a discussion on the future of the EU. The EU leaders are expected to adopt the EU Strategic Agenda for 2024–2029 after the European Parliament elections next June. Items on the agenda for the Granada meeting include the EU’s resilience and defence capabilities and ways to boost Europe’s competitiveness. As outlined in the Government Programme, Finland wants to see a globally strong and well-functioning EU that promotes the security, wellbeing and economic interests of its Member States and citizens.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed the Government’s priorities concerning the EU’s 2040 climate target. The Commission is expected to issue a communication on the matter early next year. It is important to influence the Commission’s communication in advance, as it will be used later as a basis for more detailed proposals on the climate target.

Inquiries: Jori Arvonen, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 295 16001, 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 07 33, Prime Minister's Office

Agendas for the meetings of the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs and public documents discussed at the meetings are available on the Prime Minister’s Office website (in Finnish).