On 14 February 2023, a trans-European TEN-T conference was held in Warsaw, Poland, to discuss extensively the requirements for the development of logistics chains and the impact of the European security situation on the core network corridors. The essential function of the trans-European core network is to link European transport flows in both the north and south directions, as well as in the east and west directions. The Swedish Minister of Transport Andreas Carlson emphasised that Finland's and Sweden's membership of NATO places new demands on the northern areas of the core network and the importance of public-private cooperation in the development of the network. In his speech, Marius Skuodis, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications, stressed the importance of alternative routes and the importance of the military mobility perspective. The conference focused extensively on the integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the European transport network. The European Commission's proposal links Ukraine to the core network corridors to secure grain transport. The Commission's proposal is seen as a gesture of Ukraine's integration and post-war reconstruction. Jouni Jussinniemi, 1st Vice-President of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, who participated in the conference, said that companies in Northern Ostrobothnia have extensive potential and know-how in the reconstruction of Ukraine.  In Finland and Northern Ostrobothnia, it is necessary to consider in advance how the region will help companies to connect to reconstruction and how to enable participation when it is time to rebuild Ukraine. Mustafa Nayyem, the head of the Ukrainian Agency for Reconstruction and Infrastructure Development, who participated remotely in the event, said that Ukraine is currently focusing on short-term repair measures and expects the extensive infrastructure damage caused by Russia to continue. The role of ports was highlighted in the development of efficient transport chains. Anne Jensenin, coordinator of the Baltic-Adriatic Core Network Corridor, highlighted the connection of European ports to the core network and the investments required from ports in alternative fuels to reduce emissions from maritime transport. In Finland, production and distribution must be developed in order to bring the supply of alternative fuels to ports, and in the future demand for them will increase," Jussinniemi emphasises. The panel discussion on rail transport highlighted the interconnectivity of different modes of transport. In the current funding period of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), around 70% of the total budget will be dedicated to the development of the rail network. More effective development involves a wide range of aspects, both climatic and, in the new context, military mobility. In this context, the electrification of the rail network is to be promoted across Europe. Further information:  Jouni Jussinniemi, 1st Vice Chairman of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, tel. +358 44 588 5577, jouni.jussinniemi@pyhajarvi.fi Lauri Romppainen, Regional Engineer, Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, tel. +358 40 685 4021, lauri.romppainen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi

The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia has long-term advocated for making the Port of Oulu and the airport part of the TEN-T core network. In early 2022, the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and the City of Oulu took a joint position to make the port part of the core network, highlighting in particular the strategically important location of the port in terms of the northern transport connections between Finland and the EU. In addition, the Federation has highlighted the importance of the Port of Oulu in CPMR's Baltic Sea Commission's statements. On Monday 5 December 2022, the EU Transport Council adopted a general approach on the TEN-T proposal. The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is an EU-wide transport network that identifies the most important routes, ports, airports and rail terminals and aims for their sustainable and high-quality development by 2050. In a proposal for a regulation adopted by the Transport Council on Monday, the Port of Oulu is proposed to be upgraded to the TEN-T core network. Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka, who represented Finland at the meeting, emphasised Finland's dependence on shipping and was pleased with the result of Finland's active influence. Following the position of the Transport Council, the position of the European Parliament is expected, possibly in February 2023. The Parliament's position will be followed by negotiations in which Member States, the Parliament and the Commission will seek a common view on the TEN-T proposal. Additional information: Regional Engineer Lauri Romppainen, Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, tel. +358 40 685 4021, lauri.romppainen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi