Priorities of the Finnish Presidency

On 1 July 2019, Finland assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Presidency will provide a unique opportunity for Finland to shape the EU Agenda and EU priorities for the next six months.

Finland takes the helm of the Presidency at a time of considerable uncertainty and transformation in the European Union, with several persistent and long-term challenges unfolding, from climate change and migration, to insecurity and Brexit, to the retreat of multilateralism.

Finland has outlined an ambitious agenda with Sustainable Europe – Sustainable Future as its key goal, and four central priorities; Common Values, Competitiveness and Social Inclusion, Climate Leadership and Comprehensive Security.

This briefing examines what we can expect over the next six months.