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European Council discussed how to boost employment and economic growth

Government Communications Department
Publication date 23.6.2017 15.30 | Published in English on 29.6.2017 at 12.37
Press release 314/2017

The European Council meeting in Brussels on 22 and 23 June underlined the importance of a well-functioning Single Market and stable international trade as drivers for employment and economic growth.

“Developing the internal market is a good example of a concrete project that is very important for people. A well-functioning EU common market boosts employment and fosters growth. These projects define the true success and importance of the EU for people. We should keep this in mind now when we are debating the future of the Union and defining the overall policies and visions,” said Prime Minister Juha Sipilä.

“We need to develop our common internal market swiftly. The essential sectors for Finland are digital technology, services and the Energy Union. I am satisfied that these themes were explored today,” Prime Minister Sipilä said.

The European Council emphasised that further efforts are needed from the EU and its Member States to implement the Single Market strategies. The Council also reminded of timely implementation and better enforcement of existing legislation.

The European Council underlined the importance of stable and free international trade for the world economy.

“The political situation in the USA has stressed the EU’s role as a promoter and advocate of free trade. We must be in the frontline. Defending free trade is really significant for an export-led economy such as Finland's,” Sipilä said.

The European Council also discussed the management of migration and emphasised that all Member States must meet the obligations of the agreement between the EU and Turkey, such as placement of refugees.

“In Finland's view it is important to impact the root causes more effectively so that people would not have to leave their homes,” Prime Minister Sipilä said.

“The choice of words when talking about immigrants and people who have experienced tragedy is not helping solve the problem itself. For example, instead of “burden sharing” we should talk about “responsibility sharing” between Member States. I have raised this issue with my colleagues too,” Prime Minister Sipilä said.

Inquiries: Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 319, Riikka Pakarinen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 580 0833 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office