17.11.2025
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 17 November. This is an announcement of the meeting's decisions. The minutes will be published at the following address: the agendas and minutes of the institutions;
The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia's strategy 2025-2029 proceeds to the provincial council's deliberations
During the spring and autumn, the strategic framework approved by the regional council has been translated into key results and measures, indicators and strategic capabilities. The strategic goals and the concrete measures implementing them are implemented through the Union's operational and financial planning. The provincial government proposes to the provincial council that it approves the strategy of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia 2025-2029.
Proposed provincial programme for Northern Ostrobothnia for 2026-2029 to be discussed by the provincial council
The new provincial programme emphasises the vision formed through an inclusive process on the direction of the development of the region. The objectives of the programme answer the question of what results and impacts the region wants to achieve during the programming period. The new priorities of the regional programme commit the actors to take responsibility for the results and their effectiveness. The aim of the reform is to be flexible and to be able to react proactively and quickly to changes in the operating environment. The provincial government proposes to the provincial council that it approve the provincial programme proposal.
The Provincial Government approved the opinion on appeals against the decision approving the regional plan for the energy and climate phase
The Administrative Court of Northern Finland has received 15 appeals against the decision of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia to approve the regional plan for the energy and climate phase of Northern Ostrobothnia. The Administrative Court of Northern Finland has requested a statement from the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, which must give an account of the matter, respond to the demands made by the parties to the proceedings and their arguments, and rule on the presented report.
The provincial government has made a decision under the Land Use and Building Act on the entry into force of the provincial plan on 18 September 2025. The phase-province plan that has come into force has overturned or changed the plan solutions of the regional plans of Northern Ostrobothnia as described in the plan documents. Four appeals have sought a ban on implementing the provincial government’s entry into force decision. The regional plan for the energy and climate phase of Northern Ostrobothnia has been drawn up in accordance with the legislation governing land use planning, and the regional government has had the right to bring the plan into force on the basis of the Land Use Act. All appeals have called for the revocation or partial revocation of the phase-province plan, and for the preparation to be returned.
The Provincial Government decided to refer the matter to the Administrative Court of Northern Finland an opinion as set out in the Annex;.
Budget 2026 and Economic Plan 2027-2028 of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia for approval
The 2026 budget totals EUR 5 369 403 in operational revenue, which represents a decrease of 1,88 % compared to the 2025 budget. Operating income mainly consists of municipal contributions as well as subsidies and grants, in which technical support and project income are recorded. Operating costs amount to EUR 5 576 153, which represents a decrease of 2.16% compared to the previous year's budget. The decrease in the number of own production projects is reflected in the decrease in operating income and costs. The result for the financial year, after depreciation in the budget year, is EUR -213 750. EUR 213 750 shall be credited from the Development Fund. The surplus/deficit for the financial year is EUR 0. The provincial government proposes to the provincial council that it approves the budget 2026 and the financial plan 2027-2028 of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia.
The provincial government elected representatives to CPMR and Baltic Sea Commission working groups
The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) is a member organisation of 150 provinces. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia is a member of the CPMR Baltic Sea Commission and, as a rule, participates in the working groups of the Baltic Sea Commission. Representatives appointed to the working groups of the Baltic Sea Commission also participate in the working group meetings of the umbrella organisation as representatives of the regional government, if necessary. The representative of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia (CPMR) acts as the representative of the association at the annual meetings of the association and in the Finnish delegation of the CPMR, as well as, in accordance with the rotation of the Finnish delegation, as a deputy member of the Baltic Sea Government.
For the 2026 term, the Provincial Government elected Sari Nurro as the elected representative of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia CPMR and Juha Koskela as his deputy. In the period 2027-2029, the elected representative is Juha Koskela and his deputy is Sari Nurro.
The following elected and deputy representatives were elected to the Baltic Sea Commission working groups for the period 2026-2029: Juha Koskela (deputy representative Sanna Laine) for the Transport Working Group, Esa Aalto (Elina Kemppainen) for the Energy and Climate Working Group, Sari Nurro (Kaarina Kailo) for the Marine Working Group and Jouni Jussinniemi (Pia Hiltunen) for the Arctic Working Group.
In brief
- The operating model of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia (CPMR) was approved.
- The provincial government shall propose to the provincial council that it approve: Amendments to the Administrative Regulation, decides to add new provisions to the Administrative Regulation and decides that the amendments and additions shall enter into force on 1 January 2026.
- The report of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment's administrative authority's supervision and control visit was noted for information.
- The Provincial Government approved the meeting schedule for 2026 and noted that the President of the Council had ordered the meeting of the Provincial Council to be held on 1 June 2026 and 7 December 2026.
- Signed for information decisions taken by office-holders from 22 October to 11 November 2025. The provincial government did not exercise the right of withdrawal under Section 92 of the Local Government Act.
- The information provided by the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia opinions from 22 October to 11 November 2025.
Agendas and minutes
Link to agenda: Agenda 17.11.2025
the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region agendas and minutes
Additional information
Lauri Nikula, President of the Provincial Government, tel. +358 40 913 5722
Jussi Rämet, Regional Director, tel. +358 40 586 3877
