In english below. How can the green economy support the sustainable and holistic development of rural areas? This issue was addressed in the Green Economy as a Driver of Integrated Territorial Development webinar of the Rural COOP project, organised by the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia as part of the Interreg Europe Rural COOP project. The webinar brought together participants from across Europe, including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Italy, France, Switzerland, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. José Enrique Garcilazo, keynote speaker at the OECD, said that rural areas are often viewed in terms of population decline and ageing. However, many rural areas play an important role in economic growth and renewable energy production, as well as valuable natural resources. Successful green transition solutions must take into account the diversity of rural areas and build on their own strengths and circumstances. Strengthening local value chains is important to create more value locally from rural natural resources and renewable energy. The perspective of Northern Ostrobothnia was presented by Ritva Isomäki of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. He described how the goals of the green economy are promoted in the region through regional development, regional planning, climate work, development funding and cooperation. Strategic objectives become relevant when they lead to concrete actions and involve local actors in their design. Two practical examples from Northern Ostrobothnia were also presented in the webinar. The BIOTUTO project presented by Peetu Virkkala from the University of Oulu examined the utilisation of agricultural side streams in biogas production and rural business development. The project brought together farmers, municipalities, researchers and companies to identify opportunities and strengthen cooperation related to the regional biogas value chain. The UTAH2 project, presented by Tuure Haarjärvi, University of Oulu School of Economics, studied the local production and use of hydrogen in Utajärvi. The project combined technological development, business opportunities, infrastructure and the involvement of local people. A key lesson of the project was that major changes do not start big: small projects and pilots can build the skills and collaboration needed for larger investments in the green transition. The common message from the speakers was clear: a successful green transition requires local participation, cooperation and trust. Rural areas should not only be seen as investment sites for green investments, but as active partners in implementing the transition. The solutions must be based on the regions' own strengths and needs and create tangible benefits for local businesses and communities. Knowledge and research help identify regional opportunities and...

Are you preparing a project application for the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia's Municipalities implementing the green transition application (ERDF)? Are there any challenges in the structure of the application, in the measures considered or, for example, in considering the results of a lump-sum project that you would like guidance on? Or has it been a while since the last project was prepared? The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia organises project sparring for applicants and opportunities to present projects in October. The purpose of the project clinics is to support the preparation of the project "Municipalities as implementers of the green transition". Two types of project preparation support are available: project sparring and project presentation. Participating in a project sparring or presentation does not guarantee a positive progress in the subsequent evaluation of applications. 1. PROJECTS - Monday 5.10. and Friday 16.10. Project sparring on the 5th of October focuses on projects that are still looking in their direction. This may be, for example, a reflection on the objectives and outputs of a lump sum project, the suitability of a project idea for an open call, or any other question related to project planning for which the applicant wishes to receive sparring. The project clinic works especially for applicants who have a period of time since the previous project or, for example, who are less familiar with the ERDF as a financial instrument. Sparring works in such a way that the project operator(s) book for 30 minutes from the Regional Development Manager (the already booked times will be updated on the page). Sparring is arranged through Teams. The actors present to the Association's experts the background information and the idea of the project as it currently stands. Therefore, the project can still be very raw and guidance can be obtained, for example, for choosing a cost model or for supporting the planning of the outputs of a lump sum-type project. However, it is a good idea to prepare for sparring by considering questions in advance and preparing a preliminary proposal to highlight the theme and content of the project. This allows you to get the most out of your limited time. The proposal does not need to be submitted in advance. Available times: Monday 5.10. at 12.00-12.30 Monday 5.10. at 12.45-13.15. Monday 5.10. at 13.30-14.00 Monday 5.10. at 14.15-14.45. Monday 5 October from 15:00 to 15:30. Friday 16.10. 12.45-13.15 Friday 16.10. 13.30-14.00 2. PROJECTS - Tuesday 20.10. and Monday 26.10. Project presentations aim at presenting more ready-made project ideas and getting feedback. The project presentation is suitable for projects that have already been prepared further and want feedback on the project idea as well as possible last-minute comments to support the finalisation of the project application. The appointments are booked from the Regional Development Manager (the appointments already booked will be updated on the page). This is a pre-existing model in the union. Instructions…

Figure: In early September, Rural COOP partners and stakeholders gathered in Oulu and Ii for the project's first international study visit to learn about good practices in sustainable rural development, climate work and the circular economy. On 2-3 September 2026, the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia hosted the first international study visit of the Interreg Europe-funded Rural COOP project in Oulu and Ii. During the two days, project partners and regional stakeholders from across Europe learned about good practices in sustainable rural development, climate work, the circular economy and regional cooperation, and exchanged experiences on the future of regional development. The Rural COOP project develops the sustainable territorial development of rural and mountainous areas through foresight, inclusion and cooperation approaches. Study visits are a key part of the project's peer learning, the aim of which is to find new solutions for the development of regional policy measures. Partners from seven countries The study visit was attended by project partners and stakeholders from Finland, Sweden, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, Albania and Switzerland. The participants included experts in regional development, representatives of municipalities, research organisations and actors working on the circular economy and sustainable development. In addition to the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, regional stakeholders, such as representatives of the municipality of Ii, the municipality of Muhos and the Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu, participated in the visit from Northern Ostrobothnia. - Our regions are different in size, structure and stage of development, but as rural areas we are united by many of the same challenges. Therefore, exchanging experiences with European partners is particularly valuable, says Project Manager Anna-Maija Toivonen. The first day of the study visit was held in Ii, Finland. The day started with acquainting students with the activities of Aseman koulu and the well-known 50/50 model, where students actively participate in energy saving and the development of sustainable everyday solutions. Participants were also able to get to know the nature of Ii on a short nature walk. The programme continued in Micropolis, where the participants heard about the long-term climate and sustainability work of the municipality of Ii. Mayor Marjukka Manninen presented how Ii, as a small municipality, managed to build an internationally known model of climate work together with residents, companies and communities. The proposals sparked a lot of debate on how the involvement of local communities can support the achievement of environmental objectives and strengthen the vitality of regions. During the day, the regional development work in Northern Ostrobothnia and the thematic funding call organised under the Rural COOP project (ERDF) were also presented. Tiina Rajala, Development Director of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, gave guests an overview of the region and its regional development system, while Katarina Timisjärvi, Regional Development Specialist, and Laura…, Regional Development Manager