Ministers for European affairs to prepare for June European Council and continue rule of law dialogue

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 24 June to prepare for the June European Council. The ministers will also continue their annual rule of law dialogue with a country-specific discussion on the rule of law situation in Finland. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.
The GAC will continue its preparations for the European Council meeting on 26–27 June by discussing the draft conclusions. Items on the agenda for the June European Council include Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness, the EU in the world, migration, Moldova, the Western Balkans, internal security and preparedness.
Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong, effective and united response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine. The EU must work towards a just and lasting peace in close cooperation with Ukraine and other partners. Finland also supports Ukraine and Moldova on their paths to EU membership.
In Finland’s view, Europe must quickly strengthen its defence capabilities, especially to respond to the long-term threat posed by Russia. Finland supports efforts to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base and to increase the capacity of the European defence industry.
Finland strongly supports the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy. The strategy will provide a more uniform understanding of the threat environment facing Europe. Finland believes that the strategy and action plan will help to develop joint preparedness in the Member States and the Union in a way that meets the current challenges.
Finland considers it important to take concrete measures to strengthen the single market, especially when it comes to the free movement of services, goods and people, and emphasises the need to seek growth, for example through digitalisation. Finland places a great deal of importance on developing a Europe-wide capital market and is in favour of measures to complete the capital markets union.
“The rule of law, defence and joint preparedness are the foundation for a strong and united Europe. Europe’s true strength comes from cooperation, trust and common values. The rule of law is not only the basis for democracy and the rights of individuals, it is a prerequisite for the EU’s credibility both internally and internationally,” Minister Strand said.
The GAC will also review the progress of the 2025 European Semester and submit a summary of the country-specific recommendations to the European Council.
The ministers will also continue their annual rule of law dialogue, this time with a country-specific discussion on the rule of law situation in Finland. Finland’s long-standing policy on rule of law issues aims to promote the rule of law and the fight against corruption in the EU. Finland shares the Commission’s view that the rule of law is a prerequisite for a well-functioning democracy and for protecting the rights of individuals. The rule of law is important for citizens and businesses throughout the EU, as well as for the credibility of the EU globally when working together with international partners.
After the meeting, Minister Strand will meet with Finnish EU officials working in Luxembourg. Promoting EU recruitment plays a key role in Finland’s ability to exert influence in the EU.
In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the GAC include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the GAC’s agenda.
Inquiries: Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister’s Office
Photos and video material from the meeting | Council of the EULinkki toiselle sivustolle