Ministers for European affairs to discuss future financial framework and EU enlargement

Ministers for European affairs to discuss future financial framework and EU enlargement

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU will host an informal meeting of ministers for European affairs in Lefkosia on 10-11 May. Discussions at the meeting will focus on the EU's next multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Commission presented its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework, which serves as the Union's long-term financial plan, in July 2025. The general priorities of the proposal are worthy of support and in line with Finland's key EU policy priorities. Finland emphasises the importance of allocating funds in ways that align more strongly than at present with the EU's key policy priorities, such as improving Europe's defence and competitiveness.

"It is essential to find a level that does not make Finland's burden of payment unreasonably heavy but enables the implementation of key priorities, such as strengthening defence and competitiveness, and secures our most significant receipts, such as funding for agriculture. Particular attention should be paid to Finland's unique position as a Member State on the eastern external border that is also a net contributor to the EU budget," said Minister Strand.

"In Finland's view, it is essential to ensure that the next financial framework and other related EU funding is subject to the strictest possible conditionality, including conditionality linked to compliance with the rule of law," Minister Strand continued.

EU enlargement is a significant geopolitical issue. Finland advocates for a credible enlargement policy based on EU membership criteria, with special emphasis on the importance of democratic institutions and rule of law reforms. Finland welcomes the development of gradual integration, which would give candidate countries some of the concrete benefits of EU membership during negotiations.

"The EU's Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policies promote peace, prosperity, stability and security in Europe and its neighbouring areas. Supporting enlargement protects the EU's neighbouring areas, especially from destabilising actions perpetrated by Russia. At the same time, the enlargement process requires the EU to be willing to reform. Finland's objective is for the enlarged Union to be a stronger actor than it is today, both externally and internally," Minister Strand said.

Another topic of discussion at the meeting will be cooperation between the EU and the UK in the fight against foreign information manipulation and interference. The purpose of informal ministerial meetings to foster an open exchange of views on topical issues. No formal decisions are made at the meetings.

Inquiries: Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866 and Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302, Prime Minister's Office