Marin, Macron discuss EU recovery package over phone

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Monday had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed various issues including the videoconference of the European Council members scheduled for Friday, said an official press release.

The European Council will discuss the European Commission’s proposal for a recovery package to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recovery package would consist of a revised Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), i.e., long-term budget, along with a new recovery instrument.

Prime Minister Marin shared Finland’s key views with President Macron.

She said Finland cannot accept the Commission’s proposal for a recovery instrument as such.

As far as the Multiannual Financial Framework is concerned, Finland’s main questions are related to the moderate overall level, financing for rural development (Pillar II) and conditionality, in particular with regard to the rule of law and climate measures.