Ministers for European affairs to prepare for October European Council as negotiations on financial framework intensify

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Luxembourg on 13 October. At the meeting, the ministers will hold a policy debate on the multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034 and prepare for the October European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

At the GAC meeting on Tuesday, the ministers for European affairs will hold a policy debate on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. The Irish Presidency has put forth its proposal for a Negotiating Box, which will serve as a basis for the EU leaders’ discussion on the multiannual financial framework at the European Council meeting on 15–16 October. 

Finland considers the overall level of the Commission’s proposed financial framework to be too high and stresses the importance of carefully prioritising the focus areas of funding. Finland considers it essential to find a level that does not make Finland’s burden of payment unreasonably heavy but enables the implementation of key priorities, such as strengthening defence and competitiveness, and secures our major receipts, such as funding for agriculture and home affairs.

“Ireland’s proposal takes steps in the right direction to lower the overall level of the framework, but further savings will still be needed. The prioritisation of savings in the proposal is not entirely successful; savings should be sought in a more balanced manner throughout the framework. The financial framework should take into account Finland’s unique position as a Member State on the Union’s eastern external border", Minister Strand said.

Ukraine, security and competitiveness on the European Council’s agenda

The GAC will prepare for the European Council meeting by discussing its draft conclusions on support for Ukraine strengthening European defence, security and competitiveness, the Middle East, migration and EU enlargement.

The GAC will also receive an update on respect for the EU’s values in Hungary.