The event industry has grown dramatically over the last 10 years. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has put it and professionals in the field in a direct state of emergency. What does all this mean for the future of the industry? How will this rise again as the pandemic subsides? Read Taina Ronkainen's blog post on the subject.

North Ostrobothnia receives €29.4 million € REACT EU funding for the economic recovery caused by the COVID-19 crisis for 2021-2022. REACT EU funding supports regions to repair the damage caused by the COVID-19 crisis. At the same time, the funds will lay the groundwork for a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy. Approximately 255.4 million euros were now being distributed in the whole of Finland. €. The funds will be applied for in spring 2021 through the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Northern Ostrobothnia. Funding is ERDF and ESF funding and two new priority axes are added to the Structural Funds programme for Sustainable Growth and Jobs 2014-2020. ERDF funds will be allocated to strengthening SME activities, especially from the perspective of digitalisation and green recovery, as well as to developing research and innovation activities from the perspective of promoting digitalisation and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality in society. ESF funds are allocated, for example, to improving digital skills and promoting the rapid ability of companies and entrepreneurs to change. The use of funds from Northern Ostrobothnia is guided by the coronavirus action plan for Northern Ostrobothnia completed in autumn 2020. The Government will approve the amendment to the Structural Funds programme concerning REACT EU funding in January 2021. The funds are proposed to be budgeted in an amending budget in early 2021. Northern Ostrobothnia coronavirus action plan 2020-2021 More information: Development Director Tiina Rajala, tel. +358 40 685 4033, firstname.lastname@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi Development Manager Päivi Keisanen, tel. +358 50 431 0605, firstname.lastname@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi

On 30 September 2020, the regional cooperation group approved the coronavirus action plan for Northern Ostrobothnia. The plan brings together regional, short-term means to restore the vitality of Northern Ostrobothnia as soon as possible after the COVID-19 crisis. The measures must be able to be launched in late 2020 or during 2021. The longer-term strategic choices and measures will be specified in the preparation of the provincial programme work 2022-2025. The plan was drawn up under the leadership of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia in cooperation with the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, municipalities and regional stakeholders. The most significant means for the recovery of Northern Ostrobothnia have been identified as internationality and the promotion of exports utilising digitalisation for the green recovery of the economy The functioning of the labour market, the improvement of employment and education, as well as the well-being and inclusion of young people The plan emphasises the business recovery of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Promoting renewable energy, the bio- and circular economy and climate-smart construction, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources, are key elements of the green recovery. The key measures in employment management are the employment experiments carried out by municipalities. The instruments for rapid recovery are sector-specific targeted measures. New growth is sought, in particular, through the acceleration of exports, RDI activities, the green revitalisation of the economy and the renewal of business operations through digitalisation. Regional measures are targeted by available national funds as well as EU regional and structural policy funds. The Government will decide on the regional allocation of regional development funds during October 2020, after which the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment will open an application round to apply for funds. For more information on the coronavirus action plan for Northern Ostrobothnia, please contact Päivi Keisanen, Development Manager, tel. +358 50 431 0605.