07.04.2025
Meeting press release of the the Board of the Regional Assembly
The Regional Government of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia met in Oulu on Monday, 7 April.
Provincial Director for Advocacy Jussi Rämet told about the Government's mid-term review of the Northern Finland programme, the development of the main line, the energy tax on data centres and mines, and the property tax on the offshore wind EEZ. Head of International Affairs Hanna Honkamäkilä outlined the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) of the European Union and cohesion policy. A proposal for the EU financial framework is expected in July 2025.
The responses to Sweden's feedback to the proposal phase of the regional plan for the energy and climate phase were approved
The Provincial Government approved the responses to the feedback on the international consultation on the proposal phase of the regional plan for the energy and climate phase in Northern Ostrobothnia. The international consultation took place in parallel with the public consultation on the regional plan for the energy and climate phase in Northern Ostrobothnia in autumn 2024. Sweden's feedback highlighted international cooperation throughout the Baltic Sea region. This cooperation is not defined in the regional plan for Northern Ostrobothnia, but requires communication between Finland, Sweden and other states bordering the Baltic Sea, both in terms of the exclusive economic zone and in terms of territorial waters. The feedback from the international consultation did not reveal any new entities affecting the design solution that, due to the interaction with the previous planning process, would not have already been in discussion with the Finnish authorities. Sweden also did not put forward the need to negotiate the whole of the phase-province plan.
Kuusisto and Forsblom nominated for Arts Council of the Arts Promotion Centre Finland
The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia proposes the Arts Promotion Centre Finland to the Arts Council for the term 2025-2028 Maija Kuusisto and Samu Forsblomia. Maija Kuusisto is a music professional and developer from Oulu. She is currently the curator of the Oulu Symphony and is a Master of Education (M.Sc.) and music educator. Samu Forsblom is a versatile cultural developer and musician from Oulu. He is currently the Programme Director of the Oulu Cultural Foundation and holds a master's degree in music.
The term of office of the current Art Council may remain ten months instead of three years if the legislation on the reform of the Ministry's administrative branch enters into force on 1 January 2026. According to the transitional provision of the Act, the Art Council would remain in office until 30 June 2026. The Arts Council decides on the fields of activity, names and numbers of the State Arts Councils. It appoints the chairmen and members of the state and regional arts councils. The Council shall submit to the Agency a proposal on the distribution of the appropriations for the arts and shall decide on the use of the development funds allocated to it. It presents the title of academician to a highly distinguished artist and acts as an expert body of the Ministry of Education and Culture in art policy-making.
In brief
- The revised personal allowance system of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia was approved.
- For the time being, the local agreement on the annual payment of holiday pay in connection with the salary payment in June was approved.
- It was decided that the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia would choose Korpilaavu Oy as the implementer of the catching and overloading of live Atlantic salmon and trout in Iijoki in 2025. The estimated total cost of the procurement is a maximum of EUR 76 660 (VAT 0 %). The costs will be allocated to the Lohi Iijoki 2 project.
- An update on the reform of the administrative rules was noted.
- Accepted Sari Nurron Travel expenses incurred in connection with the mission of the European Union's Macro-Regional Strategy Annual Forum.
- Signed for information. State of play of the Karelia CBC programme.
- The hearing of the Parliament's Administrative Committee on the matter of the Government's proposal to Parliament for legislation concerning the reform of the state's regional administration was noted, as well as a statement on the draft report on the regional development and EU regional and structural policy as a whole and legislation.
- Notice was given of the decisions taken by the office-holders for the period 4 to 31 March 2025. The provincial government did not exercise the right of withdrawal under Section 92 of the Local Government Act.
- The opinions issued by the Office for the period 4 to 31 March 2025 were noted.
Agendas and minutes
the the Board of the Regional Assembly agenda
the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region agendas and minutes
