EU competitiveness ministers to meet in Brussels on 29–30 September 2025

EU competitiveness ministers to meet in Brussels on 29-30 September 2025

The EU's Competitiveness Council will be held in Brussels on 29-30 September 2025. Finland will be represented by Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen (internal market and industrial policy matters) and Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto (research and innovation matters).

As concerns internal market and industrial policy matters, the Council will discuss measures to simplify regulation with regard to the implementation and supervision of laws. This is part of the EU Commission's goal to reduce administrative burden of companies by 25 per cent.

"Finland wants to see lighter and better EU regulation. Excessive regulation should be dismantled and administrative burden reduced. The Commission has started an ambitious project to deregulate and it is important we lend our full-hearted support to it," Marttinen says.

The Council will hold a policy debate on the functioning of the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) for companies. The ECF is a fund proposed by the European Commission to boost Europe's competitiveness, the green and digital transition and security with the help of investments.

Finland's position is to maintain the EU budget at a reasonable level and to avoid an increase to Finland's net contribution. Finland considers it necessary that the focus areas of EU funding are prioritised and emphasises the role of Finland's goals to strengthen defence and competitiveness in the strategic assessment.

In connection with the Council meeting, Minister Marttinen will meet Stéphane Séjourné and Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-Presidents of the European Commission.

The Competitiveness Council aims to enhance competitiveness and increase growth in the EU. Within research, innovation and space, the Council's objective is to strengthen the scientific and technological base of European industry and to promote its international competitiveness as well as growth and employment.

The Council on research and innovation will hold a policy debate on 30 September 2025 concerning the Horizon Europe package in the next funding period. This time, the discussion will focus on the topic of EU research and innovation for dual use, security and defence purposes.

"It is important for Europe's competitiveness and comprehensive security that research and innovation funding can support defence and dual-use projects," says Minister of Economic Affairs Puisto.

Finland considers it appropriate to include defence research and development in the upcoming package of competitiveness funding and supports the Commission's proposal to compile space and defence issues into a single entity.

In its address, Finland will also emphasise open competition and quality as selection criteria for RDI funding. The ministers will also approve Council conclusions on the importance of research and innovation for the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy and the conclusions on life sciences for the European Union's competitiveness.

Inquiries:
Julia Kerkelä, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 307