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European Affairs Minister Terho met Ireland’s European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee

Government Communications Department
Publication date 24.1.2018 15.16 | Published in English on 25.1.2018 at 10.00
Press release 28/2018

Finland’s Minister for European Affairs Sampo Terho met Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee in Helsinki on Wednesday 24 January. The ministers discussed progress in the negotiations on the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework and the way forward for the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy.

Both Finland and Ireland are pleased with the progress achieved so far in the Brexit negotiations. Both hope that relations between the EU and the UK remain good. After the commitments made in December, it is important to move forward with the preparation of a concrete withdrawal agreement. Finland’s position is constructive and result-oriented. Terho said that Finland wishes to continue working in close partnership with the UK in trade, defence and security.

Regarding the forthcoming EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (2021–), Minister Terho reminded that Finland’s position is that the UK’s withdrawal be taken into account in the overall financial framework level in full. The next financial framework will be exceptional, as it should take into account both the EU’s response to current challenges and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The European Commission will be issuing its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework in May.

Current issues in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy are the launching of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the implementation of the European Defence Fund. Minister Terho said that PESCO must support both European and national priorities and help Member States develop their national capabilities. Both Finland and Ireland have advocated developing the EU’s civilian crisis management capabilities.

Inquiries: Otto Juote, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 170, Prime Minister's Office