21.09.2026
Meeting press release of the the Board of the Regional Assembly
The Regional Government of Northern Ostrobothnia met on Monday 21 September in Oulu.
The University of Oulu has assessed the possibilities of starting a degree programme in pharmacy in Oulu. At the beginning of the meeting, Dean Jukka Hakkola and Liaison Manager Sakari Jussi-Pekka from the University of Oulu presented the cost estimate and reports of the Degree Programme in Pharmacy.
Municipalities' opinions on the budget proposal for 2027 are requested
The provincial government approved the budget proposal 2027 and the economic plan for 2028-2029 as a basis for further preparation and requested the opinions of the municipalities on the proposal by 20 October 2026. The result for the financial year, after depreciation in the budget year, is EUR -257 600. EUR 270 800 shall be credited from the Development Fund. The surplus/deficit for the financial year is EUR 13 200.
The total budget 2027 for operational revenue amounts to EUR 5 196 694, representing a decrease of 3,22 % compared to the budget 2026. Operating income mainly consists of municipal contributions as well as technical support and revenue from project activities. Operating costs amount to EUR 5 447 492, representing a decrease of 2.31% compared to the previous year's budget. The sum shows a decrease in the number of own production projects. Membership contributions have been increased by 1% compared to 2026.
The Federation participates in the joint procurement of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency's track maintenance planning services
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will tender out the framework agreement and dynamic procurement system for track maintenance planning services. The provincial government decided to participate in a joint procurement, the framework agreements of which are the expert tasks of track maintenance planning studies and assessments, track maintenance planning and expert tasks, as well as the expert tasks of track maintenance safety equipment, electric track and strong current planning. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia has considered it appropriate to join the framework agreement, taking into account the development needs related to the railway network. For a fixed-term three-year period in the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, the value of potential acquisitions has been estimated at EUR 70,000.
The Government Programme Objectives of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia are being prepared
The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia has prepared an advocacy plan and advocacy objectives for the parliamentary elections and government programme negotiations in 2027. The Northern Finland Programme, the implementation and preparation of which is proposed to be launched as part of the next Government Programme, is the central framework for advocacy work. The aim is that the perspectives of Northern Ostrobothnia and the North will be conveyed to the programme of the new government to be formed. The provincial government took note of the state of preparation and the discussion will be taken into account in the further preparation.
NSPA Special Funding in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) Negotiation
In summer 2025, the Commission presented its proposal for the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF), one of the key reforms of which is the Member States’ national and regional partnership plans. In the future, funding will be allocated to reforms and investments in accordance with the Partnership Plan and their effective implementation. The Commission proposal does not include earmarked NSPA funding for northern sparsely populated areas. In the past, NSPA funding has been taken into account and allocated to northern sparsely populated areas in order to reduce the impact of permanent competitive disadvantages in all multiannual financial frameworks and their regulations during Finland's EU membership. The provinces of Eastern and Northern Finland have launched coordinated regional preparation for the 2028-2034 programming period. The aim of the preparation is to ensure that the special characteristics, development needs and strengths of Eastern and Northern Finland are taken into account in the future National and Regional Partnership Plan.
In brief
- The Provincial Government noted that the budget for the evaluation and audit was included in the budget proposal of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia for 2027 and took note of the matter.
- The Provincial Government decided that the State Treasury will be informed of the extension of the contract for Monetra's financial and human resources management services until 30 June 2030.
- The Provincial Government appointed Tua Noteo from VTT as a full member of the regional cooperation group.
- Notifications: Government budget debate, report by Kari Häkämies on the role and tasks of provincial federations, preparations for the Presidency of Eastern and Northern Finland in 2027 and Connecting Europe Days in Brussels from 28 September to 1 October 2026.
- The statements made by the Office for the period from 12 August to 15 September 2026 were noted.
- Notice was given of the office-holder decisions for the period from 12 August to 15 September 2026.
Link the Agenda
