Ministers for European affairs to discuss rule of law and Commission’s work programme for next year

Ministers for European affairs to discuss rule of law and Commission's work programme for next year

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet on Tuesday 16 September in Brussels. Topics on the agenda include the rule of law in the EU, the Commission's work programme for 2026 and preparations for the October European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The GAC will continue its annual rule of law dialogue with a discussion on general developments related to the rule of law in the EU based on the Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report. 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. The Government 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, and considers the annual Rule of Law Report an important tool for promoting the rule of law in the EU.

The ministers will also discuss the overall development of the rule of law in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia together with the ministers of these EU candidate countries. Finland welcomes the inclusion of the candidate countries in the EU Rule of Law Report and believes that experience with the EU's rule of law instruments can help strengthen the candidate countries' commitment to common values.

"When the rule of law is realised effectively, citizens and businesses can trust that the EU and its single market will function equitably and consistently. This trust also extends to the Union's international relations. As such, it is important that EU continue its work to strengthen common values and promote the rule of law - this helps to strengthen our democracies and increase trust across borders," Minister Strand said.

At the meeting, the Commission will present the plans for its 2026 work programme. The Commission will adopt its finalised work programme for 2026 in October and will present it at the General Affairs Council meeting in November. Finland will take note of the plans for the work programme.

The GAC will also begin preparations for the October European Council by discussing its draft agenda. Topics to be discussed at European Council will include Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness and the twin transition, housing and migration.

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: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 576 7745, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister's Office