Today, the Prime Minister Juha Sipilä met the Prime Minister of Slovenia Marjan Šarec and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. On the agenda for both meetings were the priorities of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, work on the EU’s future, and promoting a circular economy.
Major issues during Finland’s Presidency include decisions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, finding a comprehensive solution to control migration, and development of the EMU. During the Presidency Finland will also focus on deepening the EU’s common security and defence policy, development of the Single Market, and measures aimed to mitigate climate change. Finland will take determined action to promote these common goals.
“This is a great opportunity to talk among like-minded Member States and make us even better prepared for Finland’s third Presidency that will start in July. Further strengthening our bilateral relationships with the different countries and establishing a unified picture of the situation in the EU provides us with a solid foundation on which to construct a well-functioning and effective Presidency term. It is also clear that we need a strong and unified EU to respond to the great challenges of the future, such as climate change and migration”, Prime Minister Sipilä says.
All three countries are active players in the circular economy, one of the main topics discussed by the Prime Ministers.
“We share a common goal to promote a transition into a circular economy, both in our own countries and within the EU. Finland is to publish an updated plan on the transition into a circular economy in March. It is very much in our interest to continue and further deepen our cooperation in this with both countries”, Prime Minister Sipilä says.
The discussions were part of a series of meetings leading up to Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Prime Minister Sipilä will meet with the heads of all EU Member States before the start of Finland’s Presidency term.
Sources:
Office of the Prime Minister of Finland