Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses EU enlargement

Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses EU enlargement

In its meeting on Friday 22 November, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed Finland's positions on the European Commission's annual EU enlargement package.

In its Communication on 30 October 2024, the Commission published its annual enlargement package with a general overview and country-specific reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Enlargement is a significant geopolitical issue for Finland and the EU. Finland advocates for a credible enlargement policy based on EU membership criteria, with special emphasis on the importance of democratic institutions and rule of law reforms. Supporting enlargement can protect the EU's neighbouring areas, especially from destabilising actions perpetrated by Russia. At the same time, the enlargement process requires that the EU be willing to reform. Finland's objective is for the enlarged Union to be a stronger actor than it is today, both externally and internally.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed Finland's positions on advance influence with regard to the financing of agricultural and fisheries policy in the EU's next multiannual financial framework (2028-).

The Ministerial Committee also outlined Finland's positions for the following upcoming meetings:

• Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council on 25-26 November
• General Affairs Council (Cohesion) on 28 November
• Competitiveness Council (Internal market, Industry, Research and Space) 28-29 November

With regard to education, the Council will approve the recommendation on attractive and sustainable careers in higher education and the conclusions on strategic partnerships in education and training. Youth matters will include the Council's approval of the resolution on the outcomes of the 10th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, review of the EU Youth Strategy Work Plan 2025-2027 and conclusions on providing opportunities for young people living in rural and remote areas. On the topic of culture, the Council will approve conclusions on improving and fostering access to culture. With regard to sport, the Council will approve conclusions on fostering the lasting legacy of major sporting events.

The General Affairs Council meeting on cohesion will focus on improving the management of cohesion funds in the future.

The Competitiveness Council will seek to adopt conclusions on the future of European competitiveness. The Council will also hold a discussion on better regulation in Europe.

Inquiries: Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 433 4533, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949 and Marko Ruonala, Project Manager (Communications), tel. +358 50 522 8233, 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).