Finland prioritises security, clean transition in EU policy

Finland sent a letter to all European Commissioners-designate setting the country’s main priorities in EU policy for 2024–2029, said an official press release on Monday.

In the letters, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his cabinet members highlighted comprehensive security, strategic competitiveness and the clean transition as Finland’s EU policy priorities.

The government emphasised respect for the rule of law as the foundation for all activities in the Member States and the Union.

“The Finnish Government gives its full support to the new Commission and is ready for close cooperation. It is important that the Commission can get its work under way as soon as possible”, said Orpo.

The Government agreed on Finland’s EU policy priorities at the start of the year in line with the Government Programme.

These include improving comprehensive security throughout Europe, boosting strategic competitiveness and promoting a clean transition through the circular economy and bioeconomy.

In Finland’s view, continuing support for Ukraine, deepening defence cooperation, developing defence production and strengthening the EU’s external borders are key factors in improving comprehensive security.

A well-functioning single market and market-based solutions are at the heart of the Union’s strategic competitiveness.

The circular economy and bioeconomy, for their part, support the EU in achieving its 2040 climate target. In Finland’s view, technology neutrality and cost-effectiveness are key factors for reducing emissions in all sectors.

“The EU’s next multiannual financial framework must contribute to Finland’s key objectives”, the Prime Minister added.

In line with a Government Resolution adopted in the early part of the year, Finland will intensify its efforts to exert advance influence in the EU. Representatives of Finland meet regularly at both the political and official level with representatives of the Commission, other EU institutions and Member States.

The letters, 26 in total, were sent to the Commissioners-designate of all Member States in Brussels. The content is targeted to each Commissioner’s area of responsibility.

The European Parliament is expected to confirm the appointment of the new Commissioners in October or November. The new Commission will start its work towards the end of the year at the earliest.