Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand and Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Karl Nehammer meet in Helsinki

Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand and Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Karl Nehammer meet in Helsinki

Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand and Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Karl Nehammer met in Helsinki on Tuesday 1 September. Their discussions focused on topical EU issues, such as the EU's next multiannual financial framework and financing for the defence industry and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) met with Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand in connection with his visit to Finland.

The meeting focused on topical EU issues, the EIB Group's future plans and the EU's next multiannual financial framework. Negotiations on the financial framework for 2028-2034 are currently underway based on the proposal put forth by the European Commission in July 2025. The negotiations are expected to continue at least until the end of this year.

"Finland supports the Commission's proposal to increase funding for European competitiveness and stresses the importance of financial guarantees to leverage private financing. We have also emphasised the key role of the European Investment Bank as an implementing partner in the EU's future InvestEU instrument," Minister Strand said.

Strand and Nehammer also discussed the role of the EIB in financing defence and supporting Ukraine. Finland has consistently promoted the EIB's active participation in financing security and defence. Finland has also stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine, both financially and on its path to EU membership.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the lending arm of the European Union. It provides long-term financing and advisory services for investment projects in Europe and beyond. The members and shareholders of the EIB are the EU Member States, and the projects financed by the EIB aim to advance the EU's policy objectives.

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