21.05.2024
Regional Councils of Eastern and Northern Finland: Clear goals for Eastern and Northern Finland for the next EU term
The meeting of the Advisory Board of the Provinces of Eastern and Northern Finland was held on 16 May. The Advisory Board heard about Finland's climate policy, Finland's EU objectives and the EU policy objectives of the regions of Eastern and Northern Finland for the next term of office of Parliament and the Commission.
Effects of Finland's environmental policy on counties
Prime Minister Orpo's government aims for a strong and caring Finland that can cope with the storms of the world. The energy transition and clean technologies offer opportunities for Finland to create jobs, exports, economic growth and well-being. Finland's footprint in climate policy is larger than its size. Pure Finnish nature is important to all Finns. The Government's aim is to strengthen biodiversity and combat biodiversity loss, as well as to ensure the availability of clean and affordable energy.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Kai Mykkänen He told me about the government's goals.
– The regions of Eastern and Northern Finland have the potential to benefit from the predicted wave of investment in clean transition and new technologies. It provides strong preconditions for the renewal and strengthening of the counties' industries. The intrinsic strengths and special expertise of the different regions of Eastern and Northern Finland support multidisciplinary business, investments, industry and exports, Kai Mykkänen said in his presentation.
Finland's climate policy, support for investments in the clean transition, nature and water protection as well as construction, smooth promotion of land use and permitting must also be made from the perspective of Eastern and Northern Finland, emphasises the Advisory Board of Regional Councils.
The goals of Eastern and Northern Finland are the goals of the whole of Finland
At the meeting, the Advisory Board heard the Under-Secretary of State for EU Affairs of the Prime Minister's Office Satu Keskinen a proposal on Finland's key objectives for influencing the strategic agenda of the European Council and the five-year programme of the future Commission, which will be decided after the European elections in June.
– Finland has three main priorities which should be promoted by future EU multiannual funding. These are strengthening Europe's strategic competitiveness, improving Europe's overall security and promoting the clean transition, the bioeconomy and the circular economy," Satu Keskinen said in his presentation.
The regions of Eastern and Northern Finland have prepared their own influencing objectives to promote the development of Eastern and Northern Finland in the decision-making of the European Parliament and the European Commission.
– The conditions for Finnish life are growing in eastern and northern Finland. We know how to make sustainable use of nature and natural resources in our area. We have developed solutions and new technologies, products and services for international markets. Our counties have internationally high-quality research and education, emphasises the Regional Director of Central Ostrobothnia, who heads the Advisory Board Jyrki Kaiponen.
– It is important to understand that our objectives are those of Finland as a whole. We have made efficient use of regional development resources and have made positive progress. Investments in Eastern and Northern Finland increase national security.
The key priorities of the regions of Eastern and Northern Finland for the European elections can be found here: https://suurinosasuomea.fi/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IP-EU-vaalitavoiteeeet-2024.pdf
