17.09.2026
Regional Cooperation Group meeting press release 9.9.2026
The North Ostrobothnia Regional Cooperation Group heard about the current state of preparations for the new programming period (2028-2034) and the half-yearly report on corporate finance in North Ostrobothnia
The North Ostrobothnia Regional Cooperation Group met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 at the premises of the Regional Council of North Ostrobothnia. During the meeting, the state of play of the new programming period (2028-2034) and the current state of preparation were heard. The meeting also included a presentation of the organisation of the Northern Finland Viable Power Centre and a half-yearly report on business finance in Northern Ostrobothnia (ERDF + JTF) for the first half of 2026.
In addition to presenting current affairs, the meeting also included a topical project presentation from the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the University of Oulu. This was a project application from the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia for the spring 2026 JTF call From Emission to Resources (EMRIS).
Positive opinion for two projects
The provincial cooperation group gave its positive opinion on two projects.
Working life now! (ESF+)
Working Life Now! is a joint project applied for by the Friends of Youth Association, together with the municipality of Liminka and the joint municipal authority of the Haapavesi-Siikalatva region. The project renews the management of employment by assembling fragmented and short-term measures into a single, goal-oriented service path where jobseekers and employers are linked together
Into the whole. A key novelty of the project is the trainee path for the employer, which lowers the recruitment threshold and supports a gradual, supported transition towards work, an apprenticeship or studies. The target group of the project is unemployed jobseekers and employers.
The main objective of the project is to strengthen the employment and transition to education of young and long-term unemployed jobseekers by developing and consolidating a unified, multidisciplinary service path that brings together individual and group coaching, employer cooperation and matchmaking into one goal-oriented entity. The project responds to rising youth unemployment and protracted employment by supporting smooth and sustainable transitions towards open labour markets or studies.
Another key objective of the project is to develop and strengthen regional networks and cooperation structures between jobseekers, employers, municipal employment and vitality services, educational institutions and other key actors. The aim is to build a common operating model in which information on job seekers' skills, employers' needs and available forms of support move smoothly, overlapping work is reduced and services are targeted in a timely manner.
Area of implementation of the project: Liminka, Oulu, Pyhätä, Siikalatva, Haapavesi, Muhos
Grant requested (EU+State)/total cost: €1 175 859 / €1 469 824
Funded by: Northern Finland Energy Centre (ESF+)
Execution period: 1.11.2026 – 31.8.2029
From Emission to Resources (EMRIS)
EMRIS is a joint project of the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the University of Oulu, which develops solutions for the capture and utilisation of carbon dioxide from industrial flue gases in the production of bio-based chemicals and renewable energy sources. The aim is to create a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable process that strengthens renewable energy, circular economy and bioeconomy value chains and supports the green transition.
The project combines carbon capture, wetland plant utilisation and novel bio- and synthetic fuel production solutions. At the same time, it reduces emissions, increases the region's energy self-sufficiency and creates a basis for new low-carbon business.
The results will support the competitiveness of SMEs, low-carbon investments and products and services based on the circular economy, as well as contribute to research and development that meets the EU’s climate and environmental objectives.
Project implementation area: Oulu
Grant requested (EU+State)/total cost: 527 591 € / 753 704 €
Funded by: Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia (JTF)
Execution period: 1.10.2026 – 31.12.2028
Next meeting
The next meeting of the regional cooperation group will be held on Thursday 29 October 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00.
Meeting materials
The meeting materials will be updated in the Dynasty information service after signing the minutes: Dynasty Information Service : Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia
Additional information:
Laura Kelhä, Development Manager, Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, tel. 050 385 4016
