Ministers for European affairs to discuss next financial framework and prepare for March European Council

Ministers for European affairs to discuss next financial framework and prepare for March European Council

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 17 March to discuss the EU's next multiannual financial framework and continue preparations for the March European Council. The ministers will also agree on amendments to the European Election Act and review the progress of the 2026 European Semester. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The GAC meeting will begin with a discussion on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. The MFF sets maximum expenditure ceilings for different policy areas, usually for a period of seven years. Overall, Finland supports the priorities of the financial framework proposed by the Commission. 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 important for Finland that the upcoming financial framework and other related EU funding is subject to the strictest conditionality that corresponds at least to the current level, including conditionality linked to compliance with the rule of law.

"We need to agree on an overall level for the framework that does not place an unsustainable burden of payment on Finland but also strengthens the strategic backbone of the Union, which is defence and competitiveness. It is extremely important to secure Finland's major receipts, such as funding for agriculture, and we can't lose sight of our position as a responsible net contributor that shares a border with Russia. The next financial framework should reflect these realities in a way that is fair and balanced," Minister Strand emphasised.

The General Affairs Council will discuss the draft conclusions for the European Council meeting to be held on 19-20 March. Items on the agenda for the meeting include Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and the single market, the next multiannual financial framework, European defence and security, and migration.

"Strengthening Europe's competitiveness also increases the Union's political importance. Competitiveness and economic strength are prerequisites for our strong support to Ukraine and our ability to defend the rules-based international order," said Minister Strand.

The GAC will also be invited to agree on amending the European Electoral Act so that Members of the European Parliament can vote in plenary by proxy during pregnancy and after giving birth.

Before the start of the meeting, the ministers will have informal meetings with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov. The meetings will focus on advancing EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, respectively.

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