Government of Finland

05/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/15/2026 02:56

EU development ministers to discuss future of external action and Global Gateway strategy

EU development ministers to discuss future of external action and Global Gateway strategy

Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Publication date 15.5.2026 11.42 | Published in English on 15.5.2026 at 11.50
Type:Press release

The EU Foreign Affairs Council will meet in its development configuration in Brussels on 18 May. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss the future of the EU's external action in a shifting geopolitical context and the role of the Global Gateway strategy in this regard. The strategy links development cooperation with economic interests. Ministers will also address the global consequences of the Iran conflict with the aim to explore EU instruments and coordination with other supporters.

"External action must support both sustainable development in partner countries and the EU's own competitiveness. Changes in the geopolitical situation require a more strategic approach to development policy to ensure that development, investment and trade are mutually supportive. Finland has made this shift in its approach to development cooperation, and a similar shift is needed at the EU level. Implementing the Global Gateway strategy is central to the EU's efforts to link trade and development," Minister Ville Tavio says.

Inquiries

  • Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
  • Juha Savolainen, Director General, Department for Development Policy, tel. +358 295 351 508
  • The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format [email protected].
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