European Council to discuss Ukraine, competitiveness and long-term EU budget

At the meeting, the EU leaders will continue their negotiations on the multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034. The negotiating proposal put forth by the Irish Presidency on Saturday 10 October will serve as a basis for the discussions. Finland considers Ireland’s proposal an improvement on the original proposal put forth by the Commission. According to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, however, significant changes are still needed. “Savings have been identified, but too few, and partly in the wrong places. The overall level of the framework is still too high. Significant changes will be needed before Finland can support the proposal. We are advocating for the interests of the Finnish taxpayer and Europe as a whole. We are ready to find a solution, but it must come at a reasonable cost and reflect the right priorities,” Prime Minister Orpo said. The discussion on competitiveness will focus on the impact of high energy prices on citizens and businesses, the impact of global macroeconomic imbalances on European industry and the progress of measures to boost the EU’s competitiveness, among other topics. The EU leaders will also discuss continued support for Ukraine and its needs f...