Minister Terho to General Affairs Council

Minister for European Affairs, Culture and Sport Sampo Terho will represent Finland at the meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday 25 September.

The meeting will prepare for the upcoming European Council on 19 and 20 October, which is to discuss migration, digitalisation, defence and external relations. The General Affairs Council will also receive a summary of the implementation of the June European Council conclusions.

Estonia will present the work programme for its Presidency at the meeting of the General Affairs Council. The programme focuses on four key objectives — an open and innovative European economy, a safe and secure Europe, a digital Europe and the free movement of data, and an inclusive and sustainable Europe.

The meeting will also discuss the letter of intent concerning the Commission work programme for 2018. The letter, outlining the Commission’s future priorities, was submitted to the Council and the European Parliament on 13 September 2017 in connection with the State of the Union address held by Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission. 

The Commission will also provide ministers with a state of play regarding its rule of law dialogue with Poland, and Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator of the EU, will give the General Affairs Council, meeting in an EU27 format, an update on the negotiations with the United Kingdom.

Inquiries: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 476, Prime Minister’s Office.