Ministers for European affairs to continue discussion on respect for EU values

The EU General Affairs Council will meet in Brussels on Friday 18 November. Items on the agenda include preparations for the December European Council and a discussion on respect for the EU’s common values. In addition, the Commission will present its work programme for 2023. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen will represent Finland at the meeting.

The General Affairs Council will begin preparations for the European Council meeting on 15–16 December 2022 with an exchange of views on the draft annotated agenda. Topics on the agenda for the December meeting include Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, energy and economic issues, security and defence policy (including cyber security issues) and the Southern Neighbourhood.

The GAC will hold a hearing with Hungary on rule of law matters in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union. This is the fifth hearing in the procedure. No substantive decisions will be made at the meeting, nor will the council will be formulating a position at this time. 
”Finland is continuing its active efforts to promote democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental and human rights. These values are at the heart of the European Union’s activities,” Minister Tuppurainen says.

During the meeting, the Commission will present its work programme for 2023 to the GAC. The programme’s priorities include the green transition, the EU’s digital capabilities, an economy that works for people and a stronger Europe on the world stage. When drawing up its work programme for 2023, the Commission took into account the proposals made by citizens in connection with the Conference on the Future of Europe, which took place in 2021–2022. Many of the initiatives in the work programme are direct follow-ups to proposals made during the conference.

The Czech Presidency will also share its progress report on the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe.

In addition, the ministers will receive a briefing on the relations between the EU and the United Kingdom. Finland will take note of the update and express its support for the Commission’s approach.

In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the GAC include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the council’s agenda. 

Inquiries: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 576 7745 and Emilia Tervonen, Special Adviser, tel. +358 50 516 1035, Prime Minister’s Office