09.12.2024
Regional Assembly meeting press release
The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia convened its autumn meeting in Oulu on 9 December 2024.
The budget 2025 and the economic and action plan 2025-2027 of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia were approved
The 2025 budget totals EUR 5 472 374 in operational revenue, which represents a decrease of 7% compared to the 2024 budget. Operating costs amount to EUR 5 699 351, a decrease of 6.5% 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. In addition, Karelia ENI CBC's access to technical support has ended at the end of September 2024.
The result for the financial year, after depreciation during the budget year, is EUR -240 858. EUR 240 858 shall be credited from the Development Fund. The surplus/deficit for the financial year is EUR 0.
Membership contributions have been increased by 1.9% compared to 2024.
The regional plan for the energy and climate phase in Northern Ostrobothnia was reviewed
A public consultation on the proposal for a regional plan for the energy and climate phase of Northern Ostrobothnia was held from 23 September to 24 October 2024. Almost 150 responses were received from a total of 123 participants, some of whom submitted several reminders. Thirteen of the region's 30 municipalities submitted a reminder, one statement was received from the Regional Development Centre (NIHAK). Contributions were received from the Regional Councils of Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia and Lapland. In addition to the North Ostrobothnia ELY Centre, feedback was received from the ELY Centres of South Ostrobothnia, Kainuu and Lapland, mainly concerning the Natura risk assessment and the consideration of Section 35 of the Nature Conservation Act. Six reminders were received from other authorities: Fingrid Oyj, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Metsähallitus, Paliskunta Association and Northern Ostrobothnia Museum. During the consultation period, 28 reminders were received from associations and communities, 55 opinions were recorded from individuals and companies, some in the form of joint submissions. In addition, 14 wind power operators received reminders, some of which concerned more than one wind power area.
As regards the international consultation, the Finnish Environment Institute provided feedback from Sweden, which was received from eight sources: Trafikverket, Sjöfartsverket, Energimyndigheten, Sveriges meteorologiska och hydrologiska institut (SMHI), Sametingen/Sámediggi, Länstyrelsen Norrbotten, Haparanda and BirdLife Sverige.
TALVEA Public Administration Services Ltd was selected as the auditing firm
The provincial council decided that the audit firm of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia for the financial years 2025-2028, including the option period, will be appointed TALVEA Public Administration Services Ltd, with JHT, Authorised Public Accountant, KRT as the responsible auditor. Marko Paasovaara. The acquisition includes an option for the financial year 2029. By exercising the option, the regional council has the right to elect the above-mentioned audit firm as the auditor of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia until the end of the financial year 2029 without reopening the tender procedure.
Strategy of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia 2025+ adopted
The Regional Council approved the values, mission, vision and strategic goals of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia's strategy 2025-2028. The starting point of the strategy work has been to reconcile the views of the member municipalities and stakeholders on the role of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia as a regional developer and interest representative. In spring 2025, the strategic framework will be translated into concrete measures and their metrics. These will be prepared for discussion at the Provincial Council's spring meeting in 2025.
Lauri Nikula appointed President of the Provincial Government
Jussi to Ylitalo the resignation of the chairmanship and membership of the provincial government. The President of the Provincial Government was elected Lauri Nikula From Oulu, Finland. New member elected to the Provincial Government Johannes Tuomela Oh, no, no, no, no.
Changes in members of the the Board of the Regional Assembly and Regional Assembly
- Hanna Markkanen Membership in the provincial government was declared terminated due to the loss of the right to stand as a candidate. New member of the provincial government elected Senja Kovaniemi It's from Liminka.
- Kuusamo City Council has granted at its meeting on 14 May 2024 Tuomo Törmänen resignation from the deputy seat of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia as of 1 June 2024 and elected a new deputy member of the Regional Council as of 1 June 2024; Pauli Miettinen for the remainder of his term of office.
Consideration of implementing initiatives
At its meeting on 12 December 2022, the provincial council adopted a measure initiative entitled ‘In the next period, the possibility of restoring the natural life cycle of migratory fish in the provincial waters will be explored’. The study increases the understanding of the converging features of different rivers on the one hand and of different starting points on the other. For each of the sites examined, basic information, key objectives and measures for the next few years, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the site in terms of the recovery of migratory fish stocks, are described.
Jouni Jussinniemi and What a Flöjt and an implementation initiative by the Left Alliance and the Greens’ council group entitled ‘The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia implements the EU Water Framework Directive and the EU Restoration Regulation, including by swiftly returning all migratory fish with natural by-passes to the Rivers Oulu and Iijoki, the restoration of the Merikoski rapids, the demolition of the dams of Pyhäjoki and Siikajoki, and the final restoration of the Kuusing Canal. ’
Agendas and minutes
Link to Regional Assembly the Agenda
the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region agendas and minutes
