Competitiveness ministers discuss ways to strengthen industry and research in EU
The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness meet in Brussels on 28–29 May 2026. Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto (internal market and industrial policy) and State Secretary Kristiina Kokko (research and space) represent Finland at the meeting.
In the section concerning the single market and industrial policy the ministers will discuss the Industrial Accelerator Act. The aim of the act is to strengthen industrial production in Europe and promote the industry’s clean transition.
“Europe’s competitiveness is based on strong enterprises, innovation and high-level expertise. Some of the strategically important sectors of Europe are, however, facing unfair competition or structural pressures. Finland supports the clear and appropriately limited actions in the regulation that will not lead to unreasonable supply problems or price increases,” Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto says.
The ministers will also discuss the Commission’s proposal for Regulation on the 28th Regime Corporate Legal Framework (EU Inc.) that would create a new form of company at the EU level particularly targeted to start-ups and scale-ups. Finland considers that the EU should primarily focus on strengthening the single market and improving the companies’ innovation, business and regulatory environment.
The meeting will approve Council conclusions that aim to strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism. The ministers will also exchange views on the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on the EU tourism sector.
Minister Puisto will also have meetings with the Commission's leading Vice-Presidents, Henna Virkkunen, and Stéphane Séjourné.
New period of Horizon Europe on agenda
In the research section the ministers will discuss the proposal for the Horizon Europe package for the period 2028–2034. The package outlines the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the next period.
Finland considers it important that Horizon Europe will continue to fund top-level research and innovation on the basis of quality and through open competition. Finland stresses that Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund must form a clear, well-functioning and effective package.
In the space section the ministers will be briefed on the progress of the EU Space Act and discuss the role of space in terms of economic security. Finland supports measures that safeguard the availability of space-based services, ensure the safety of space activities and enhance the shared space situational awareness.
At the meeting the ministers will also adopt the recommendation on a European Union framework for science diplomacy.
Inquiries:
Julia Kerkelä, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 307
Riikka Astala, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 057