Orpo urges EU leaders to secure Ukraine’s funding

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said securing Ukraine’s funding for next year should be the main issue at the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Yle reported.

Orpo described the situation in Ukraine as “very difficult and dangerous”, saying the country lacked sufficient air defence and was exposed to attacks from the air. He also referred to a new agreement involving US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a diesel deal reached by the US president with Russia.

Orpo said he strongly supported the EU emissions trading system. He argued that the bloc should reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen Europe’s energy independence, while taking short-term steps to ensure affordable energy for people and businesses.

Summit discussions also cover the EU’s 2028–2034 budget. Ireland, the country holding the EU presidency, has proposed cuts of about 140 billion euros to the European Commission’s budget plan, but Finland considers the proposed spending level too high.

Finland and five other net contributor countries — Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands — want to keep the EU budget moderate. Sweden’s outgoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his country would reject Ireland’s proposal.

Orpo said an agreement on the EU’s long-term budget framework must be reached this year, acknowledging that negotiations would be difficult.