Marin, Merkel meet in Berlin

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Wednesday held a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin in which they discussed a range of issues including EU climate policy and the upcoming negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF).

They also expressed their appreciation of the close relationship existing between Finland and Germany, said a government press release.

“Germany is Finland’s most important trading partner, and we both value cooperation within the European Union and the strengthening of the Union,” Marin told a press conference after the meeting.

In their meeting, Marin and Merkel discussed the next multiannual financial framework, that is, the EU’s long-term budget for 2021–2027.

The leaders of the EU countries are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Thursday for a special meeting of the European Council, where negotiations will begin based on a proposal made by European Council President Charles Michel.

The proposal differs from the compromise proposal drafted by Finland during its presidency of the council.

Marin said, “I told the chancellor that Finland is aiming at a moderate overall level for the financial framework and considers it important to allocate sufficient resources to rural development. Funding for agricultural development can support the sector in its transition to climate sustainability. We want the financial framework to support the member states in implementing the EU’s ambitious climate policy and ensuring respect for the rule of law.”

The EU’s ambitious climate policy and the European green growth programme, the Green Deal, were another key theme of the day’s discussions. The EU is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The Finnish prime minister said, “Ambitious climate policy and digitalisation are key issues when it comes to strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and industrial renewal. We must decide on increasing the emissions reduction targets for 2030 to 55 per cent and accelerate investments in competence building and research.”

They also discussed Germany’s presidency of the Council of the EU, which will begin in July. The close relationship between Finland and Germany is also reflected in this cooperation. The countries have many shared objectives, such as climate policy and strengthening the EU’s role on the international stage.