Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses October European Council

Discussions at the European Council will focus on competitiveness, Ukraine, the next multiannual financial framework, the Middle East, European defence and security, migration, enlargement and internal reforms, among other issues. • Strengthening competitiveness is a prerequisite for developing the EU’s role as a global actor. In Finland’s view, the EU should work towards its targets with a balanced approach that combines market-based solutions and the opening of markets on the one hand, and risk prevention and management through closer cooperation with third country partners on the other. Technological sovereignty, long-term EU climate policy and clean energy investments are important priorities for Finland. By breaking away from the use of fossil fuels, the EU can also reduce its dependency on third countries and strengthen its strategic autonomy. • Finland considers it important that the EU continue its strong, effective and united response to Russia’s military attacks against Ukraine. The EU should increase pressure on Russia, especially through sanctions, tariffs and visa policy. With regard to the negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, all negotiation clusters shou...