The EU leaders affirmed their strong support for Ukraine at the Special European Council on Thursday 6 March. The EU leaders also highlighted the need for the EU to invest swiftly and strongly in developing its own defence. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

The European Commission introduced the Competitiveness Compass on January 29, 2025. This marks the first major initiative of the new Commission's term. The Compass provides a strategic framework and guides the Commission’s actions to enhance competitiveness in the EU for the years 2024–2029, focusing on strengthening innovation, decarbonization and security.