Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses unlocking of Cohesion funding for Hungary

In its meeting on 9 October, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the release of Hungary’s previously suspended Cohesion funding, the EU’s command and control structure and the proposed Affordable Housing Act. The ministerial committee also outlined Finland’s positions for four upcoming council meetings.

The ministerial committee outlined Finland’s positions on the unlocking of Hungary’s Cohesion funding, which was previously suspended due to violations of the rule of law. In its September proposal for an implementing decision, the European Commission noted that Hungary had taken the necessary remedial measures and that the funding suspended under the Conditionality Regulation could be unlocked. Finland is of the view that the Commission has presented a thorough assessment of the remedial measures put forward by Hungary and their adequacy and supports the Commission’s assessment that there are no longer grounds for the suspension of funding. However, it is important to continue monitoring the rule of law situation in Hungary.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discussed Finland’s positions on the future development of the EU’s military command and control structure. 

The Commission’s proposal for an Affordable Housing Act was also on the agenda. Finland’s positions on the proposal will be made public once they have been discussed at a government session.

In addition, the ministerial committee outlined Finland’s positions for four upcoming meetings:

•    Environment Council on 12 October
•    Foreign Affairs Council on 12 October
•    General Affairs Council on 13 December
•    Informal meeting of telecommunications ministers on 12 and 13 October