Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlines Finland’s positions for influencing next multiannual financial framework

On 26 April, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s priorities for exerting influence on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework and discussed the Commission communications on managing climate risks and on accelerating biotechnology and biomanufacturing. In addition, the Ministerial Committee outlined Finland’s positions for two upcoming informal ministerial meetings.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s first positions and preliminary views on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (2028–) so that Finland can influence the Commission’s proposal in good time. The Commission must submit its proposal by the beginning of July 2025. The main premise of Finland’s positions is that the overall level of the framework must remain reasonable. Finland wants to avoid an increase in its net contribution, but is prepared to push for additional investments in areas important for Finland. In Finland’s view, the multiannual financial framework should continue to be the primary response to the EU’s financial needs. Finland is strongly committed to supporting Ukraine and its reconstruction and is open to various funding solutions to achieve this goal. It is also important for Finland that the multiannual financial framework contribute to the EU’s strategic competitiveness and comprehensive security. Finland wants to see a financing solution that takes into account the overarching importance of Finland’s eastern border for the EU.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs welcomes the communication ‘Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU’ published by the Commission in March and considers it very important. Promoting the bioeconomy is one of the Government’s main objectives, which Finland aims to advocate for in the work programme of the next European Commission. The communication published by the current commission aims to create a favourable growth environment for the sector and offer global solutions to societal and environmental challenges. Biotechnology and biomanufacturing, which include sectors and systems based on biological resources, are important drivers of the bioeconomy. 

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also discussed the Commission communication on managing climate risks. The Communication is part of the EU’s climate policy and aims to improve preparedness for the effects of rapidly progressing climate change. The Ministerial Committee welcomes the communication and, in line with the Government Programme, stresses the importance of measures to improve society’s ability to adapt to climate change alongside measures to combat climate change and reduce emissions.  

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also outlined Finland’s positions for the following informal meetings of ministers: 
•    Agriculture and Fisheries Council (29 April)
•    Informal meeting of the General Affairs Council (29–30 April)

The Agriculture Council will discuss rapid and structural responses to the current situation in the agricultural sector, trade-related agricultural issues, annual performance reports under the CAP and the future of the EU agricultural system. In addition, Finland and three other countries will highlight the need to take into account the bioeconomy in the work programme for the next European Commission. There will also be a discussion on fisheries control.

This informal meeting of EU affairs ministers will begin with a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement, which will also be attended by the ten current candidate countries. After this, the ministers and the representatives of the candidate countries will discuss the rule of law reforms being implemented as part of the accession process. After the meeting with the candidate countries, the ministers will continue to discuss compliance with the rule of law as it relates to EU enlargement and the future of the EU.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768, Satu Keskinen, Deputy Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 40 508 6722, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, 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 Government website (in Finnish).