Government announces investments in the implementation of the Northern Finland programme
“In Northern Ostrobothnia, we are pleased that the Northern Finland programme has now started in concrete terms. Funding has been allocated to the programme compiled from the proposals of Northern actors during the Government's mid-term review. In addition, strategically important cross-border international projects will be launched during the government term. It is clear that further efforts are still needed to develop growth, security and accessibility in the North," says Regional Director Jussi Rämet from the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. One of the most important openings proposed by the Government is the EUR 20 million planning funding for the Rail Nordica project, which aims to extend the European gauge from Sweden to Northern Finland. The project supports not only security of supply and military mobility, but also the economy of the region. In the first phase, which starts already this year, a connection is planned from the Haaparanta-Tornio border crossing point to Kemi. The Government wants to accelerate the development and commercialisation of 6G expertise in cooperation with the State, the University of Oulu and other key parties. The aim is to ensure Finland's leadership in wireless technologies and support investments in future testing environments. Nordic cooperation will be promoted by drawing up already this year a joint strategic programme for the northern regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway. It defines an overall structure for cooperation between the countries' Northern programmes and strategies at national and regional levels. This will improve coordination between programmes and support interregional cooperation. In order to accelerate the investments needed for sustainable growth, regional investment teams in Eastern Finland and Northern Finland will be established in future vitality centres. Their aim is to establish a clear approach to identifying and promoting investment in the region. Read more in Government Bulletin 9.5.2025: Strong support from the Government for the implementation of the Eastern and Northern Finland programmes - Valtioneuvosto More information: Regional Director Jussi Rämet, Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, tel. +358 40 586 3877.
