Finland, Sweden for development of rule of law in EU

Finnish Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand and his Swedish counterpart Jessica Rosencrantz on Friday submitted to the European Commission a letter concerning measures that could be taken to enhance support for the rule of law development in the EU, said a government press release.

Finland and Sweden consider it important that the new Commission will take an active, strong and comprehensive approach to promoting the rule of law.

The Ministers stress that EU activities are based on mutual trust, which means that the common values and the rule of law must form the foundation for all activities.

This is also essential from the perspective of the EU's competitiveness and the functioning of the internal market. Without the rule of law, it is not possible to ensure a level playing field and create an investment-friendly business environment.

Economic conditionality has proved to be the most effective incentive for addressing shortcomings in the rule of law.

In the EU’s current Multiannual Financial Framework (2021–2027), the handprint of Finland and Sweden is especially reflected in the Conditionality Regulation, which aims to protect the EU budget from risks arising from shortcomings in the rule of law.

In the Union’s next financial framework (2028–), the rule of law conditionality linked to EU funds should be made even stronger.

The Ministers consider that a sustainable commitment to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights is also essential for all countries that aspire to join the Union. Fair and rigorous conditionality must be applied in the accession process, and the process must be based on each candidate country's own merits. Upholding the rule of law is a general obligation for both current and future Member States.

“As states, Finland and Sweden have very similar views on most issues, and Sweden is also our closest partner and friend in the EU. This joint letter is another proof of that partnership,” said Strand.

The joint letter will also be distributed to other EU Member States before the General Affairs Council meeting on September 24, 2024.

The letter was drawn up at the joint meeting of the governments of Finland and Sweden in Stockholm on 16 September 2024.