08.12.2025
Regional Assembly meeting press release
The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region met on 8 December 2025 for its last meeting of the autumn season in Oulunsalo. The Regional Assembly approved the regional programme for Northern Ostrobothnia for 2026-2029, the strategy of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region for 2025-2029 and the budget for 2026.
New regional programme: Northern Ostrobothnia – our region!
The objectives of the regional programme for Northern Ostrobothnia 2026-2029 answer the question of what results and impacts the region wants to achieve during the programming period. The three main strategic themes for the coming years are 1. Sustainable competitiveness, regenerative investment and innovation; 2. Welfare and regional resilies in a changing world and 3. High quality and attractive environment. The new priorities of the regional programme commit the stakeholders to take responsibility for the results and their effectiveness. The current EU Structural Funds period ends in cooperation with the regional programme’s mandate 2026-2029. During the regional programme period, capabilities will be created so that the challenges of the future can be overcome and Northern Ostrobothnia can continue on a positive development path.
The preparation process of the regional programme has been open, area-based and participatory, in which all the regions and municipalities of the region, central government, as well as other key stakeholders and stakeholders have been involved.
The key results, tasks and indicators of the strategy of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region were approved
A year ago, the Regional Assembly approved the values, mission, vision and strategic goals of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region's strategy 2025-2029. This year, the adopted strategic framework has been translated into key results and measures, indicators and strategic capabilities. The strategy has been drawn up in cooperation in cooperation with the representatives of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, municipalities and key stakeholders, as well as staff. The strategic goals and the concrete measures implementing them are implemented through the Union's operational and financial planning.
Next year's budget adopted
In the 2026 budget, the operating revenue of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region is EUR 5,369,403, which has decreased by 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. Membership contributions have been increased by 1.6 per cent compared to 2025.
Operating costs amount to EUR 5 576 153, which represents a decrease of 2.16% compared to the previous year's budget. 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.
Amendments to the Rules of Procedure
The posts of Payment Specialists, regional development experts and manager of administrative development established by the the Board of the Regional Assembly involve presentation and preparation responsibilities, the competence for which must be defined in the Rules of Procedure. It is proposed that the financing decisions related to the European Union and national funds be transferred to the Development Director. In the section on travel expenses in the section on the remuneration of persons of trust, a clarification is proposed, which would make it possible to pay travel expenses to representatives of organisations and companies on advisory boards, cooperation committees and cooperation groups. In addition, a technical correction is proposed to the section on information management. The Regional Board approved the proposed amendments and new provisions to the Rules of Procedure. The amendments will enter into force at the beginning of 2026.
Re-examination of the selection of the members of the Audit Committee
According to the Rules of Procedure of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, the members and deputy members of the Audit Committee must be authorised. Article 19 of the decision of the Regional Assembly of 8 September 2025 on the election of the members of the inspection committee was not implemented, as persons who were not members of the Regional Assembly had been appointed as members. The matter was referred back to the Regional Assembly. For the 2025-2029 term of office, the Regional Assembly elected seven members and a personal deputy for each of them. The Chairman of the Audit Committee was elected Matti Leiviskä (Central) Saints and Vice-Presidents Tuula Ala-Aho (sd.) from Oulu. See the composition of the Audit Committee here link.
Agendas and minutes
the Regional Assembly Agenda 8.12.2025
the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region agendas and minutes
Additional information
Jussi Rämet, Regional Director, tel. +358 40 586 3877
