20.04.2022
Meeting press release of the regional cooperation group
The Northern Ostrobothnia Co-operation Group held a hybrid meeting on Wednesday 20 April 2022 in Oulu, Finland.
At the beginning of the meeting, Project Coordinator Tiina Nokela from the Prikka Kieron project presented the current ESF project to the cooperation group. Prikka Kierkka is a development project that develops a logistics centre for the circular economy in Oulu in extensive cooperation. The Centre solves two current challenges, both the better utilisation of food waste and the employment of those in a challenging position on the labour market.
Hanna Honkamäkilä, Head of International Affairs at the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia presented a snapshot of the role of Northern Ostrobothnia in cross-border programmes. Honkamäkilä told, among other things, about the new responsibility for tourism in the Baltic Sea macro-regional strategy that had been opened up to the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia has been selected as the second coordinator of the tourism policy area of the European Union's macro-regional strategy for the Baltic Sea region together with the Pomorski region of Poland.
Honkamäkilä also told about Interreg Aurora's first call for applications for the new programming period, which will open on 21 June. The program is new. It combines Interreg North and Interreg Bothnia Atlantica. The language of the programme is English and the partner search event for the Aurora programme will be held in Skellefteå on 7-8 June. The programme focuses on a smarter Europe, a greener Europe and a more social Europe.
Ready to apply for the renewable and competent Finland 2021-2027 programme period
The meeting also stated that for the renewable and skilled Finland 2021-2027 programme period, the Eura system is expected to be updated in order to open applications. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia is ready to open searches on a fast schedule when it is technically possible to do so.
The general view of the speakers on the matter was that North Ostrobothnia must strive to make full use of the development funding opportunities offered by the European Union. This will be done in particular by investing in the coordination of funding programmes.
The cooperation group also received an overview of Leader activities in Northern Ostrobothnia. Leader activities were presented by Ilkka Peltola, Executive Director of Keskipiste-Leader in Nivala-Haapajärvi and Haapavesi-Siikalatva regions.
There are five Leader groups in Northern Ostrobothnia. At the heart of the activities is the idea of developing the locality together with the residents of the area. This is achieved by financing the development projects of the residents of the area and advising them on their implementation. Leader groups activate, inspire, inform, train and assist project promoters.
In addition, Petri Keränen, Director of the Northern Ostrobothnia Business, Labour and Competence Division, gave the cooperation group an overview of the preparedness situation in Northern Ostrobothnia.
The next meeting of the regional cooperation group will be held on 18 May 2022.
Additional information: Heikki Ojala, Regional Development Manager, tel. 050 433 3951
