Towards a more pragmatic EU
In December, each of us surely pauses for a moment to reflect on what has happened over the past year, while also turning our gaze toward the year ahead. On my own agenda, the dismantling of unnecessary EU regulation has been a key priority. We are rapidly simplifying legislation and streamlining processes in the European Parliament. We are easing companies’ investment opportunities and reporting obligations.
This year, I have served as Rapporteur on two major legislative packages aimed at simplification. We successfully finalized the report on the InvestEU loan guarantee programme, which received broad support in the last plenary session of Parliament. This enables an additional €2.9 billion in guarantees, along with significant relief in reporting requirements for SMEs. The decision will unlock at least €55 billion in private investment across Europe. Progress is also being made on the defence readiness simplification package.
The debate on withdrawing from Microsoft and on technological sovereignty has gained momentum. At present, we are transferring taxpayer money to the United States. We are dependent on a company that could at any time cut off our access to critical infrastructure. We have also seen how the company raises its licensing fees. This year, Microsoft is increasing its prices by approximately 20–30 percent. That increase corresponds to the annual budget of a mid-sized regional hospital in Finland. For these reasons, I have called for the public sector to reduce its dependence from Microsoft and instead choose European providers.
The National Coalition Party’s MEPs hosted their traditional glögi reception in Helsinki, where we exchanged views on security, the economy, and technology. In addition, it was an honour to attend the Independence Day reception hosted by the President and the First Lady. I visit Finland regularly, and next year we will once again tour the regions. In March, a visit to Mikkeli and Lappeenranta is planned. We will share more information about this and other visits across all my channels.
I would like to thank all of you for the messages you have sent to me and my team over the course of this year. They demonstrate that EU issues are part of our everyday lives. In particular, the CSAM regulation related to message encryption has sparked extensive discussion, and I have received a great deal of feedback on it. I have sought to keep this issue in the spotlight. Member States have now reached a common position. It is now Parliament’s turn to keep a cool head and defend end-to-end encryption.
Alongside my work, it has been important for me this year to have my family with me back in Brussels. The children are settling in well at their new school, and Christmas carols have been practised at home for weeks.
I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a truly rewarding New Year 2026!
Warm Christmas wishes,
Aura
Member of the European Parliament, National Coalition Party, EPP Group
