Finland takes over Presidency of the Council of the EU

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The rotating presidency of the Council of the EU will be taken over by Finland today. 

During its presidency, it will strive to reach an agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework by the end of the year, and advocate for linking the withdrawal of European funds with respect for the rule of law, with special attention devoted to climate protection and the fight against hybrid threats. 

"We are ready to do everything we can to reach a decision on the budget during our presidency. In a few weeks, we will begin bilateral talks with all member states. After drawing conclusions from those talks, we should have a negotiating framework in October, and an agreement by the end of the year," said Finnish Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen.

Finland takes over the presidency from Romania. 

Finnish officials place the rule of law at the top of their presidency priorities, alongside the fight against climate change.  

Interestingly, the Finnish presidency has decided not to give commemorative gifts to those coming to Helsinki on business related to the presidency, the reason being - reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is customary for the rotating presidency to distribute symbolic gifts such as ties, portable phone chargers, pens, notebooks and similar items. The Finns said they would not follow this practice, and the money saved in this way will finance projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which simultaneously lead to the fulfillment of sustainable development goals.

During the presidency, numerous delegations will come to Finland, traveling by planes, which means higher carbon dioxide emissions. The money saved and invested in environmental projects will offset the effect of additional greenhouse gas emissions. According to estimates, the amount is around 500 thousand euros.  

The gala ceremony for high representatives of EU institutions, which is usually organized when taking over the presidency, will also be omitted, and guests will be served tap water instead of bottled water.