Helsinki, 7 July 2023
The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Monday 10 July. The main theme of the meeting will be the Commission’s proposal, issued on 20 June, for a mid-term review of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework 2021–2027. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz will represent Finland at the meeting.
The Council will initiate a political debate on the mid-term review of the financial framework. The Commission proposes that the long-term EU budget be reinforced by a total of approximately EUR 100 billion in the latter years of the financial framework period 2024–2027. The additional funding would be allocated to support Ukraine, to control migration both internally and externally, and to manage the increased debt servicing costs. In addition, the Commission proposes the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) to support strategic investments.
“The main focus of the meeting will be on the financial framework. Finland welcomes the proposal to invest strongly in assisting Ukraine. This is also an important message that our support will continue. Apart from that, we emphasise that restraint should be exercised with respect to new expenditure and propose that they be financed through the reallocation of the existing resources,” says Minister Adlercreutz.
At the meeting, the Commission will present the EU rule of law report issued on 5 July 2023. Debate on the topic will continue in the September and October General Affairs Councils.
The Spanish Presidency will present its plans regarding work on the evaluation of the Council’s annual rule of law dialogue. The General Affairs Council engages in regular dialogue on the rule of law situation in the Member States and best rule of law practices based on the Rule of Law Report and a uniform set of rules. These discussions are an essential part of the Union’s common rule of law policy. In line with the Government Programme, the European Union is Finland’s most important political and economic frame of reference and community of values. Finland promotes the rule of law and the fight against corruption in the EU.
At the meeting, the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU will present its priorities: 1) Reindustrialise the EU and ensure its open strategic autonomy; 2) Advance in the green transition and the environmental adaptation; 3) Promoting greater social and economic justice; and 4) Strengthening European unity.
In addition, the Commission will present its proposal issued on 8 June for the creation of an interinstitutional Ethics Body.
In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the GAC include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the council’s agenda.
Source – Finnish Government