14.10.2024
Regional board meeting release, 14 October 2024
The the Board of the Regional Assembly met on Monday 14 October in Oulu. At the beginning of the meeting, Region Mayor Jussi Rämet presented the proposals of the municipalities of Northern Ostrobothnia for distribution reserve projects, the state of preparation of the Northern Finland programme, and the preparation of the reform of the system of central government transfers for basic municipal services and the EU's multiannual financial framework. Sari Nurro from the the Board of the Regional Assembly reported on the CPMR meeting in Malta at the beginning of October.
Northern Ostrobothnia's transport system plan approved
The work to update the Northern Ostrobothnia Transport System Plan prepared in 2019 by the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Northern Ostrobothnia started in early 2024. The plan was updated to meet the requirements of the changing global environment. Since the drafting of the transport system plan, several documents guiding the regional transport system work have been completed or are being completed, such as the national transport system plan, the Northern Transport Strategy, the regional programme for Northern Ostrobothnia 2022-2025 and the climate road map for Northern Ostrobothnia. The business environment and the needs of cross-border transport have changed. In order to develop cross-border land transport, a transport vision has been created for the Bothnian Bay, which guides cross-border strategic goals. In addition, the region's logistical needs are presented in a new light in terms of security of supply in the current situation. The studies on the investment potential of the industry in the northern region have an impact on the strategic objectives of the development of the transport system.
Oulu Region Land Use, Housing and Transport (MAL) agreement approved
The Regional Board approved the Oulu Region MAL Agreement for 2024-2035. The agreement is based on the shared will of Hailuoto, Ii, Kempele, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Oulu, Tyrnävä, the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region and the state to develop the region. The aim is to strengthen the joint commitment of municipalities, the region and the state to the objectives and measures required for the development of the region.
The Ministry Committee on Economic Policy has supported the guidelines of the agreements. In the MAL agreements, the state commits to projects promoting accessibility and sustainable mobility in urban areas in cooperation with funding of more than EUR 570 million. In addition to the funding included in the MAL contracts, road projects are financed in cooperation with almost EUR 300 million. The state funding for the measures in the Oulu region is EUR 49.02 million and the municipalities have committed to finance EUR 23.5 million. The Government will make a decision-in-principle at the end of 2024.
In the MAL agreement, the largest state funding of EUR 24.5 million is allocated to the implementation of the Oulu passenger railway yard project. The City of Oulu's share of the implementation will be EUR 8.9 million. In addition, the agreement stipulates that the stations in Ii and Liminka will be developed in cooperation with funding of EUR 7.4 million, 50% of which will be financed by municipalities.
The joint project seeks new solutions for Eastern Finland
The European Commission has granted funding to a project to find solutions to the change in the business environment in Eastern Finland caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The aim is also to Influencing the funding of the future EU regional and structural policy programming period.
The project targets eight counties along the eastern border: Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North Karelia, North Savo, South Savo, South Karelia and Kymenlaakso. For Northern Ostrobothnia, the target area is especially the municipalities of Kuusamo and Taivalkoski in Koillismaa. The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region organises regional work.
The project will prepare a proposal for a common transition strategy for Eastern Finland and regional strategies. The development of the transition strategy is linked to the programmes launched by the Government in Northern and Eastern Finland, which promote the full exploitation of the potential of the regions from the perspectives of economic growth, regional vitality, boosting investment, development of skills and competences and the availability of labour.
In brief
- Project Manager Sanfrid Lindblom presented the final report of the project "Developing clean and stable energy production in the Pyhäjoki economic area".
- Interim report 3/2024 was recorded for information.
- The decision on the wEnabler of the Northern Ostrobothnia Prize will be made public on 4 November 2024.
- The decision on the Organizational Act 2024 will be made public on 5 November 2024.
- Invoice approvers were appointed as of 1 November 2024.
- The meeting of the the Board of the Regional Assembly on 11 November 2024 was postponed to Tuesday 19 November 2024.
- The the Board of the Regional Assembly decided that the members of the the Board of the Regional Assembly and the chairmen of the Regional Assembly will be invited to participate in the Northern Ostrobothnia regional parliament and the meeting of the chairmen, as well as the travel expenses and loss of earnings will be compensated to the aforementioned elected officials in accordance in cooperation with the union's travel instructions, unless the municipality of residence reimburses the travel costs.
- reports: regional development situation and development picture work and the Northern Ostrobothnia Strategy 2025+.
- The statements made by the Office for the period from 11 September to 7 October 2024 were noted.
- The official decisions for the period from 11 September to 7 October 2024 were notified.
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
