16.03.2022
Meeting press release of the regional cooperation group
The Northern Ostrobothnia Regional Cooperation Group held a hybrid meeting on Wednesday 16 March 2022 in Oulu, Finland.
At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman Matti Heikkilä told about the joint announcement of the chairmen of the cooperation groups of Finnish counties, in which the counties' cooperation projects with Russia are suspended for the time being. "With sanctions against Russia imposed by the European Union and many other international actors, provincial federations must also refrain from cooperating until Russia ceases military action and Ukraine's national sovereignty is respected," said the co-chairs.
Jussi Ylitalo, chairman of the regional government, explained how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has affected the activities of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. The Karelia CBC Programme's press release on the matter can be read here.
Renewal and sustainable growth from micro-entrepreneurship
Professor Matti Muhos, Director of the Kerttu Saalasti Institute at the University of Oulu, presented the micro-entrepreneurship entity at the University of Oulu. MicroENTRE® Microentrepreneurship Centre MicroENTRE® is a research group and service-providing centre that produces research data on microentrepreneurship, helps create the conditions for sustainably growing business and builds a society that encourages entrepreneurship. The Structural Funds have played a very important role in micro-entrepreneurship as a whole, Muhos stressed.
Pasi Loukasmäki was appointed to the Cooperation Group and the Secretariat of the Cooperation Group
Pasi Loukasmäki from the North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment was appointed as an expert member of the regional cooperation group and a member of the secretariat of the regional cooperation group, replacing Eija Virtasalo, as of 7 April 2022.
Just Transition Plan to be sent to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
A just transition plan for Northern Ostrobothnia was approved to be sent to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The Just Transition Fund (JTF) aims to support regions facing socio-economic challenges in the EU’s transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050. The adverse effects of the transition will be mitigated by supporting regions and workers. The Fund will support the diversification of the local economy and mitigate the negative impact of climate action on employment. The fund targets fossil fuel-dependent regions and greenhouse gas-intensive industries in the EU. Finland's JTF + State funding amounts to EUR 644 million, of which EUR 119.4 million will be allocated to Northern Ostrobothnia. If the Commission approves all the provincial plans, the JTF could start in autumn 2022.
Financial overview of the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Northern Ostrobothnia
Eija Virtasalo presented the financial review of the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Northern Ostrobothnia for 2021.
Agenda of the regional cooperation group
The next meeting of the regional cooperation group will be held on 20 April 2022.
Additional information: Heikki Ojala, Regional Development Manager, tel. 050 433 3951
