11.06.2024
Meeting press release of the the Board of the Regional Assembly
The provincial government met for the last meeting of the spring season on Monday 10 June. In matters relating to lobbying, Provincial Director Jussi Rämet highlighted the visits of Kari Wihlman, Director General of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, and Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne to Oulu, the EU milestones for Northern Ostrobothnia, and a statement on the Act on the Piloting of Vocational Education and Training.
Strategic objectives for 2025 adopted
Based on the strategic guidelines, the provincial government approved next year's targets. Overall safety and internationality were accepted as cross-cutting themes for 2025. An increase of 1.9% was accepted as the basis for planning the budget for municipal invoicing. The proposal for an economic and operational plan for the years will be discussed in the Provincial Government on 17 September 2024, after which the plan will be sent to the member municipalities for a statement. The budget of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and the Economic and Operational Plan 2025-2027 will be discussed and approved at the meeting of the Regional Council on 11 December 2024.
Risk study on Natura sites and ecological network completed
In support of the regional plan for the energy and climate phase of Northern Ostrobothnia, a study has been completed to identify the risks to the Natura 2000 network of the areas of wind turbines designated in the regional plan. In addition, the ecological complex of Northern Ostrobothnia has been examined, taking into account the Natura network and other key protected and special natural areas.
The area affected by the regional plan comprises a total of 344 Natura sites, including the areas of the surrounding provinces and the Natura sites of marine areas within a radius of 25 kilometres from the provincial border. The starting point has been the species and habitats that form the basis for the protection of Natura 2000 sites. The aim was to produce data to identify the overall and synergistic impacts on Natura sites. The results can be used to identify the areas of wind turbines proposed by the authorities in the energy and climate phase regional plan, which may result in higher risks for Natura sites or synergies with other projects. Based on the results, studies and assessments in accordance with Natura legislation can later be targeted at potential risk areas and particularly sensitive areas can be avoided at an early stage of planning.
More about the report: Risk study on Natura sites and ecological network
In brief
- The provincial government held a referral discussion on the principles of the plan solution and instructed further planning. Preliminary principles for planning solutions were presented to the Provincial Government as a basis for further preparation. In addition, discussions were held on entities requiring the guidance of the provincial government.
- The discussion on the climate road map update for Northern Ostrobothnia was postponed to the next meeting.
- In 2024-2027, the Development Fund of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia decided to cover EUR 300 000 of the programme management costs of the Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027 programme. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia acts as the intermediate authority for the programme.
- The description of the management and control system of the EU's Regional and Structural Policy Programme Renewing and Skilled Finland 2021-2027 has been updated with regard to changes in operators and rules, as well as typographical errors. Risk management has also been specified.
- The provincial government's decision-making power in procurement matters was transferred to the office-holders. The provincial director may decide on purchases of less than EUR 60,000. The Heads of Division may decide on procurements of up to EUR 10 000 related to the operation of their area of responsibility, as well as on procurements of up to EUR 10 000 related to the operation and implementation of the European Commission's Border Cooperation Programme.
- The Administrative Director was given the power to issue documents, so that the Administrative Director would decide on requests for information concerning the documents of the Provincial Government.
- Jussi Ylitalo, President of the Provincial Government, and Mari-Leena Talvitie, President of the Provincial Council, have had an evaluation and target discussion with the Provincial Director Jussi Rämet on 15 April 2024. The Provincial Government took note of the report of the President of the Provincial Government on the evaluation and target discussion.
- The Regional Director's salary will be increased by 160 €/month.
- Adoption of the updated OSH Action Plan 2022-2025.
- The Administrative Director's election was confirmed. The probationary period is six months.
- The approvers of the invoices were closed with effect from 1 August 2024.
- As of 1 August 2024, Toni Saranpää, Administrative Director, and Arja Hankivaara, Head of Communications and Administration, and Anne Väisänen, Administrative Development Manager, were appointed as the provincial government’s record keeper for the remainder of the institution’s term of office.
Changes in membership
- On 14 May 2024, Kuusamo City Council granted Tuomo Törmänen (in Swedish) a resignation from the deputy seat of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia as of 1 June 2024 and elected Pauli Miettinen (in Swedish) as a new deputy member of the Regional Council as of 1 June 2024 for the remainder of his term of office.
Agendas and minutes
the the Board of the Regional Assembly agenda
the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region agendas and minutes
Additional information
Jussi Ylitalo, President of the the Board of the Regional Assembly, tel. +358 45 160 6466
Jussi Rämet, Regional Director, tel. +358 40 586 3877
