Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses Commission proposal to curb fluctuations in emission allowance prices

Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses Commission proposal to curb fluctuations in emission allowance prices

In its meeting on 16 January, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland's positions on the Commission's proposal for an amendment to the Market Stability Reserve Decision. The proposal aims to curb fluctuations in emission allowance prices when the new emissions trading system for road transport and buildings is launched in 2028.

The ministerial committee's Union communication on the proposed regulation will become public once it has been discussed in a government session.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland's objectives for the EU Integrated Resolve decision-making exercise in 2026. The EU Integrated Resolve exercise, led jointly by the Council of the EU, the European Commission and the European External Action Service, is currently being prepared in cooperation with the Member States. The purpose of the exercise is to develop the EU's preparedness for and ability to manage complex crises.

In addition, the ministerial committee outlined Finland's positions for the following meetings taking place next week:

• Eurogroup on 19 January and ECOFIN on 20 January
• Informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers on 22-23 January

In its meeting, the Eurogroup will discuss the Commission's recommendations for the euro area in 2026, receive an update on the changeover to the euro in Bulgaria and a briefing on the most recent G7 meeting, and discuss the selection process for the Vice-President of the European Central Bank.

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council will discuss the decision and recommendation concerning the excessive deficit in Finland's general government finances. The meeting will also include a discussion on the economic and financial impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, especially with respect to financial support for Ukraine. In addition, the Cyprus Presidency will present its work programme in the field of economic and financial affairs.

The home affairs ministers will discuss sustainable approaches to returns and reintegration. They will also discuss ways to ensure security in the Schengen area. The ministers' discussions on justice issues will be divided into two parts, the first of which will deal with improving the efficiency of criminal asset recovery. The second discussion on justice issues will focus on the return of illegally removed cultural objects.

Inquiries: Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 595 7751, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Lauri Heikkinen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 45 923 5090, Prime Minister's Office