26.10.2026
Meeting press release of the the Board of the Regional Assembly
The Regional Government of Northern Ostrobothnia met in Oulu on Monday 26 October. The Provincial Government took note of the state of preparation of the influencing work of the Government Programme of the Regional Council of North Ostrobothnia. The aim is for the perspectives of North Ostrobothnia and the North to be conveyed to the programme of the new government to be formed.
The Minerals Action Plan for Eastern and Northern Finland strengthens cooperation
The Provincial Government approved a joint action plan for the minerals sector for the seven provinces of Eastern and Northern Finland for the period 2027-2031. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between the regions and the joint impact of Eastern and Northern Finland in the development of the mineral sector. The action plan updates the priorities for the development of the common minerals sector in the region to reflect the changed operating environment, which emphasises the availability of critical raw materials, clean transition, security of supply, responsibility, circular economy and the strengthening of regional value chains. The plan's four strategic priorities are competence and RDI ecosystems, responsible minerals and sustainable use of natural resources, mineral value chains and regional economy, and a safe, predictable and competitive operating environment. Common objectives and concrete measures have been defined for the priorities, as well as an operating model to support implementation and monitoring.
Opinion on the counter-examinations received by the Administrative Court of Northern Finland
The Provincial Government will provide the Administrative Court of Northern Finland with an opinion on the counter-explanations received from the opinion on the appeals against the decision on the approval of the regional plan for the energy and climate phase of Northern Ostrobothnia. The August meeting took note of the counter-explanations provided by the Administrative Court of Northern Finland concerning the provincial government's opinion on the appeals received against the decision approving the regional plan for the energy and climate phase of Northern Ostrobothnia. The appellants’ counter-arguments are essentially based on the grounds put forward in the appeals and do not raise entirely new grounds of appeal. The Planning and Competence Division has prepared a response to the Administrative Court in the form of an opinion.
In brief
- The third interim report for 2026 was taken for information.
- The OSH Action Plan 2026-2029 was adopted.
- The Northern Ostrobothnia Prize 2026 will be presented at the Regional Parliament on 2 November 2026. The decision will be made public on 2 November 2026.
- The organisation act for 2026 will be announced at the Regional Parliament of Northern Ostrobothnia on 3 November 2026. The decision will be made public on 3 November 2026.
- The provincial government provides the provincial council with an opinion on the measures that are warranted by the findings specified in the Audit Board’s 2025 evaluation report.
- Jussi Ylitalo MTK from Northern Finland was appointed a full member of the regional cooperation group. Niko Hyppönen will continue as deputy member.
- The state of play of the renewed and competent Finland 2021-2027 and Sustainable Growth and Jobs 2014-2021 programmes, as well as the state of play of national funding, were taken into account.
- It was decided that the members of the regional government and the chairmen of the regional council will be invited to participate in the Regional Assembly of Northern Ostrobothnia and in the joint meeting of the municipal bureau and municipal directors. Travel expenses and loss of earnings are reimbursed if the municipality of residence does not reimburse the expenses.
- The calendar of meetings of the provincial council and the provincial government for 2027 was decided.
- The reform of the remuneration system was noted.
- The statements and decisions of the office holders for the period from 16 September to 20 October 2026 were noted.
Agendas and minutes
Link the Agenda
