Minister for European Affairs Strand to visit Dublin

Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will visit Dublin on Wednesday 17 September. During his visit, he will meet with Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne, members of the Committee on European Union Affairs in Ireland's Oireachtas (Parliament) and representatives of the business sector. Minister Strand will also deliver a keynote address and participate in the discussion at an event organised by the Institute of International & European Affairs.

The ministers' meeting will focus on key EU issues such as competitiveness and security, as well as the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF). Ireland will play an important role in the preparations for the next MFF (2028-2034) during its EU Council Presidency in autumn 2026. The MFF is the cornerstone of the EU's economic planning, setting the priorities of the Union's budget and determining how funding will be allocated for the period in question.

The ministers will also discuss ways to deepen and develop bilateral relations between Finland and Ireland.

"Ireland is an important partner for us both bilaterally and in the EU, and we share similar views on many issues. A number of very important issues will be on the EU agenda during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU next autumn, such as the EU's next financial framework. There are also a variety of opportunities to increase bilateral trade between Finland and Ireland, for example in the fields of energy, cybersecurity and health technology," said Minister Strand.

Minister Strand's address at the Institute of International & European Affairs will focus on Finland's strategic EU policy objectives and efforts to strengthen Europe's democracy and boost its resilience.

While in Dublin, Minister Strand will also meet with representatives of Wind Energy Ireland and Energy Storage Ireland.

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