16.02.2021
Decisions of the Provincial Government 15.2.2021
Preparation of Interreg programmes under way
The provincial government held an exchange of views on the preparation and priorities of Interreg programmes. Efforts have been made in the next programming period to reduce the number of programmes. Under the guidance of the EU Commission and the ministries of Finland, Sweden and Norway, it was decided to merge two cross-border programmes. The Interreg North programme for Northern Ostrobothnia will be transformed into the new Interreg Aurora programme, which includes the current Interreg North and Interreg Botnia-Atlantica programme areas. The regulations of the EU's regional and structural funds package, including the Interreg regulation, are expected to enter into force in May 2021. Subsequently, the Commission fixes the financing of the various programmes, as well as their geography, by means of separate implementing regulations. After the entry into force of the regulations, all programmes have to be sent to the Commission for approval within a period of nine months. Prior to this, the programmes must be approved nationally. Finland is preparing to adopt the programmes in summer 2021.
The third phase county plan for Northern Ostrobothnia, statement on the application for leave to appeal against the approval of the plan and on the appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court
For the reasons given, the Provincial Government took the view that there were no grounds for the Tolva Remuneration’s claim that the decisions should be rejected and that the costs of the proceedings should be reimbursed. The Provincial Government approved the opinion on the application for leave to appeal against the approval of the third-stage regional plan and on the appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court on the basis of the amendments submitted in the discussion.
The last phase of the renewal of the regional plan for North Ostrobothnia, the 3rd phase regional plan, which was pending at the beginning of 2016, was approved by the regional council on 11 June 2018. Under Section 201 of the Land Use and Building Act, the phase county plan is valid without legal force by decision of the provincial government of 5 November 2018 and by an interlocutory decision of the Administrative Court of Northern Finland of 26 March 2019. Eight appeals against the approval decision were lodged with the Administrative Court of Northern Finland, which dismissed them by decision of the Administrative Court of 29 April 2020. The decision of the Administrative Court of Northern Finland may be appealed only if the Supreme Administrative Court grants leave to appeal. Two applications for leave to appeal were made to the Supreme Administrative Court during the appeal period. According to the order of the Supreme Administrative Court of 21 December 2020, Tuulipuisto Isoneva II (Siikajoki)’s application for leave to appeal was rejected. The appeal of Kuusamo's Maaninka wind farm will continue, and the decision will be issued later.
Climate road map of Northern Ostrobothnia approved
The provincial government approved the Northern Ostrobothnia Climate Road Map, which provides a strong basis for the development of the region. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between municipalities, companies, research institutes and other actors. Achieving the climate targets requires a strong link between business life, new livelihoods and business opportunities and climate work. In order to achieve the set climate targets, financial resources and their full utilization are needed. The EU Green Deal, regional and structural policy programmes, as well as national funding, allocate significant funding to climate work. More information can be found POPclimate project website
Opinion on the National Transport System Plan 2021-2032
The provincial government adopted an opinion on the national transport system plan for 2021-2032 and an impact assessment. This is a strategic plan for the development of the transport system. The plan is an important and necessary step towards a more stable, predictable and future-proof transport policy. The objectives are that the transport system will guarantee the accessibility of the whole of Finland and meet the needs of livelihoods, work and housing, that people's opportunities to choose more sustainable forms of mobility will be improved – especially in urban areas, and that the socio-economic efficiency of the transport system will be improved.
In brief
- The Regional Government approved the Code of Conduct for the Northern Ostrobothnia Youth Council.
- The Provincial Government approved Sweco Infra and Rail Oy as expert consultant for the Sustainable Wind Power Construction in Northern Ostrobothnia (TUULI) project.
- The provincial government outlined discretionary leave of absence and work in the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. The aim is to clarify and harmonise decision-making regarding discretionary leave in the Union.
- Harri Kastell was appointed as STTK's deputy representative to the regional cooperation group.
- Pertti Saarela was appointed as the representative of the Oulu District of the Finnish Red Cross to the Organisational Advisory Board of Northern Ostrobothnia.
- Sections 26 and 30 were withdrawn from the agenda.
