Finland calls on EU to ensure effective competition in single market – Competitiveness Council to discuss non-paper

The EU’s Competitiveness Council will be held in Brussels on 26–27 February 2026. The Council will discuss the European Competitiveness Fund, the Commission’s single market and competitiveness report, and other topics. Finland emphasises the importance of ensuring competition in the internal market and will present a non-paper at the Council.Finland will be represented by Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

Within the internal market and industrial policy issues, the Council will hold a policy debate on the European Competitiveness Fund from the perspective of strengthening the strategic resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and European value chains. In Finland’s opinion, steps should be taken to promote the access of SMEs to supply chains and to ensure a level playing field for businesses to operate and compete. The distribution of funding should be based on the principle of open competition, which prioritises high quality, innovativeness and impact.

The Council will discuss the Commission’s annual report on the single market and competitiveness. The report states that the single market is the EU’s key asset in the prevailing geopolitical situation. On the other hand, progress in removing the barriers within the single market has slowed, making it difficult to achieve the full potential of the market. 

“The EU’s competitiveness has taken a hit in recent years, due to a number of reasons. The internal market has not progressed as planned, while excessive regulation continues to hamper business. Unfair competition, a volatile security-policy environment and tariff disputes worsen the situation. The EU must make full use of the benefits of a well-functioning and efficient single market. In addition, boosting and improving EU’s competitiveness requires investments in innovation, research and, in particular, growth company financing,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto. 

Finland emphasises well-functioning competition within internal market

Finland, together with a number of other countries, will present a non-paper on competition policy at the Council. The paper draws attention to the importance of robust and effective competition policy and, in particular, that of merger control. In addition to benefiting consumers and client companies, they also contribute to the functioning of the EU’s internal market and global competitiveness.

The paper’s views are driven by the Commission’s aim to reform the EU merger control rules.

“Finland has long advocated a strong and independent competition policy. Well-functioning competition boosts productivity, growth and competitiveness and promotes the diversity of supply chains, which is a critical factor in resilience. Effective competition in the single market is crucial for European companies as it enables them to compete globally too,” Puisto says. 

Research funding to strengthen future success of Union

Within research topics, the Council is expected to adopt a general approach on the Commission’s proposal to reform the Research Fund for Coal and Steel and approve its research programme for 2027–2034. The decisions will help the EU to make better use of the Fund in supporting the competitiveness of Europe’s coal and steel industry and its decarbonisation and clean transition amid intense global competition. 

Ministers will also hold a policy debate on Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, with a focus on the negotiations for the next funding period. Finland considers it important that Horizon Europe continues to promote – on the basis of open competition and high quality – top-level research, innovation and knowledge-based solutions for the good of society. 

“The Horizon Europe programme is an important tool for advancing European research and improving future competitiveness. Going forward, it must bolster Europe’s innovation capacity together with the new competitiveness fund,” Minister Puisto adds. 

Inquiries:
Julia Kerkelä, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 307