Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. Photo: Alain Jocard / AFP / Lehtikuva
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Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said Finland cannot support the European Commission’s proposed €2 trillion EU budget for 2028–2034, calling the suggested increase excessive and poorly targeted. The current financial framework for 2021–2027 stands at approximately €1.2 trillion.
Orpo said the proposal reflects a new geopolitical reality, with high expectations placed on the EU to support Ukraine, invest in defence, and strengthen its competitiveness. Still, he stressed that the financial plan must remain realistic.
“The EU is expected to do a great deal, but the budget must be proportionate. This proposal is far too high,” Orpo told Yle.
Orpo also criticised a proposed crisis mechanism that would provide loan-based support to member states during emergencies.
“We oppose instruments based on joint debt,” he said.
While Finland acknowledges that its membership fees will rise, Orpo said any increase must be justified. He maintained that budget growth should be moderate and concentrated on defence and security.
The Commission’s draft includes €131 billion earmarked for defence and space programmes, a fivefold increase compared to the current cycle. It also proposes an additional €100 billion support fund for Ukraine, to be held outside the main budget framework.
Orpo welcomed the emphasis on security and Ukraine but said support efforts must not undermine core domestic priorities.
“We must strongly support Ukraine, but it cannot come at the expense of our own essential expenditures,” he said.
The European Parliament and all 27 EU member states must approve the budget. Discussions are expected to continue over the coming year.
Several Finnish Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) also voiced concern. Eero Heinäluoma (SDP) described the budget as “concerning,” warning that Finland’s net returns could fall while contributions rise.
Aura Salla (NCP) opposed raising the budget through higher member state payments and called for an expansion of the EU’s own re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
