Finland has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine and called for stronger European defence cooperation following discussions at the Ministerial Committee on
European Union Affairs on 29 May.
The committee reviewed Finland’s priorities for influencing EU policy in 2026, with support for Ukraine identified as one of the government’s three key objectives. Ministers discussed Finland’s contribution to a forthcoming government report to Parliament on Europe and exchanged views on measures to help secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The government reiterated its strong backing for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Finland also pledged continued support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and signalled openness to a range of financing solutions aimed at sustaining the country’s recovery efforts.
According to the committee, the European Union should maintain and strengthen its political, economic and military support for Ukraine, alongside humanitarian and material assistance.
Defence cooperation was another major focus of the meeting. Ministers examined the role of the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), a framework that enables participating member states to deepen collaboration on military capabilities, defence procurement and crisis management.
Finland stressed the importance of member states fulfilling their legally binding commitments under PESCO, arguing that effective implementation is essential for strengthening European defence. The government also highlighted the need for cooperation efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of both EU and NATO members in Northern Europe.
The committee additionally discussed the future direction of EU energy efficiency policy. The European Commission is expected to present a proposal for a new energy efficiency framework for the post-2030 period at the end of 2026. Finland’s position on future EU energy and climate policy is based on government reports submitted to Parliament in 2023 and 2024.
Ministers also prepared Finland’s positions ahead of two upcoming EU meetings scheduled for 4–5 June: the Justice and Home Affairs Council and the informal meeting of ministers responsible for cohesion policy.
At the Justice and Home Affairs Council, EU interior ministers are expected to review the state of the Schengen area, discuss the future legal status of people displaced by the war in Ukraine and examine migration cooperation with Somalia. The Council is also expected to approve the implementation framework for the EU Drugs Strategy.
Justice ministers are expected to agree on elements of the proposed Justice Programme for 2028–2034 and receive updates on the work of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as efforts to ensure accountability for crimes committed during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, ministers responsible for cohesion policy will discuss how regional development funding can help create opportunities that encourage citizens to remain and build their futures in their home regions. Discussions will also address the challenges facing Europe’s island regions ahead of the European Commission’s forthcoming strategy for islands. Photo by Santeri Viinamäki, Wikimedia commons.