Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will visit Brussels on 24\u201326 February. On Tuesday 24 February, Minister Strand will attend a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council (GAC). On Wednesday, he will meet with three members of the Commission. On Thursday 26 February, the minister will attend a GAC meeting on cohesion policy and take part in a high-level event focusing on the EU\u2019s eastern border regions.<\/p>\n
The GAC meeting on Tuesday 24 February will focus on preparations for the European Council on 19\u201320 March. Items on the agenda for the March European Council include Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and the single market, the next multiannual financial framework, defence and security, and migration.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, exactly four years since the start of Russia\u2019s large-scale war of aggression, our most important message is our strong and unwavering support for Ukraine,\u201d said Minister Strand.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreparations for the European Council will focus on issues that are crucial for the security and sustainable development of the Union as a whole. We need to make determined efforts to strengthen the single market, boost competitiveness and deepen defence and security cooperation. Our ongoing work on the multiannual financial framework also requires the Member States to come up with joint, long-term solutions,\u201d Minister Strand continued.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday 25 February, Minister Strand will meet with Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto.<\/p>\n
On Thursday 26 February, the General Affairs Council will exchange views on the lessons learned from the mid-term review of the EU\u2019s 2021\u20132027 cohesion policy. The GAC is also expected to approve conclusions on the EU\u2019s Urban Agenda. The conclusions are acceptable to Finland.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe support the Commission\u2019s proposal on using cohesion funds to increase comprehensive security. In Finland\u2019s view, military mobility projects, defence infrastructure and wide-ranging development of the defence industry play a key role in strengthening regional competitiveness and boosting employment,\u201d Minister Strand said.<\/p>\n
Minister Strand\u2019s programme for Thursday will also include a high-level event on the EU\u2019s eastern border regions, where discussions will focus on the changed security environment and the effects of border closures on regional vitality and security.<\/p>\n
Inquiries: Satu Keskinen, State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 302 and Alexander L\u00e5ng, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister\u2019s Office
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