Ministers for European affairs to exchange views on safeguarding democracy and continue rule of law dialogue

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Monday 26 January. The Council will discuss the European Democracy Shield, continue the rule of law dialogue and hear a presentation from the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU on the priorities of its programme. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

The European Democracy Shield is a comprehensive strategy proposed by the European Commission to strengthen European democracy and combat threats to democracies, such as foreign influence, disinformation, cyberattacks and manipulation enabled by artificial intelligence. Finland welcomes the Commission's communications on the European Democracy Shield and the Civil Society Strategy. Finland agrees with the communications' broad perspective on strengthening democracy.

"Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights form the foundation of the Union. It is important for the EU to continue and further intensify its long-term work in this area. The Commission's communications on the Democracy Shield and the Civil Society Strategy are highly topical," said Minister Strand.

The ministers will also continue the Council's annual rule of law dialogue with country-specific discussions on the rule of law situation in Denmark, Estonia, Greece and Spain. Finland's long-standing policy on rule of law issues aims to promote the rule of law and the fight against corruption in the EU.

The GAC will also receive an overview of Cyprus' priorities for its Presidency of the Council of the EU. The motto of the Cyprus Presidency is "An Autonomous Union. Open to the World." The Presidency Programme emphasises the autonomy of the Union through security, competitiveness, the external dimension and the Union's values.

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