Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlines Finland’s positions for negotiations on multiannual financial framework

Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlines Finland's positions for negotiations on multiannual financial framework

On Friday 19 September, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the European Commission's proposal for the next multiannual financial framework, which will serve as the EU's budget for 2028-2034. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland's positions on the proposal concerning the European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking and matters to be discussed at the next meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined Finland's initial positions for the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework. Thanks to Finland's active work to exert influence on EU policy in advance, the priorities of the proposal are in line with Finland's objectives. For example, the proposal would increase funding for strengthening defence and improving competitiveness. Finland supports the Commission's proposal to simplify the structure of the budget. However, the overall level of the framework is too high. In Finland's view, the EU must agree on an overall level that does not increase Finland's payments unreasonably but still enables the Union to achieve key priorities such as strengthening defence and competitiveness. Finland's significant allocations, such as agricultural funding, must also be secured. Finland stresses the need to pay particular attention to its unique position as a Member State on the EU's eastern external border and a net contributor to the EU budget.

Finland is opposed to the new loan-financed investment instruments proposed by the Commission, i.e. the crisis mechanism and Catalyst Europe. However, Finland is open to various funding solutions to strengthen comprehensive security in Europe. Finland supports defence funding solutions that would actually strengthen European defence. Finland's goal is for funding to be targeted specifically at countries on the eastern frontline.

In Finland's view, it is essential to ensure that the significant increase proposed for Finland from Home Affairs Funds is secured, and that it is implemented flexibly so that the funding can be used to support the vitality of border regions.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also discussed the Commission's July proposal to amend the EuroHPC Regulation. The aim is to expand the activities of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking to include the creation of AI gigafactories and dedicated support for quantum technology research and innovation activities. Finland's positions will be made public after the government session.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland's positions for the upcoming meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 22-23 September. In the meeting, the ministers will discuss agricultural issues related to international trade, funding for the common agricultural policy and fisheries policy, and the EU's upcoming fisheries consultations with Norway and the UK. At the initiative of Sweden and Finland, the ministers will also discuss the possibility of classifying cormorants as a huntable species.

Inquiries: Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 323 9636, Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister's Office