31.05.2023
The North boosts the economy and secures well-being
Editorial by Helsingin Sanomat, 22 May “The North is fast becoming the New South” is a good illustration of the current situation in the northern regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway. The eyes have now turned north for a number of reasons. NATO membership, the energy crisis and the growing importance of security of supply have increased the weight of northern Finland. At the same time, investments in renewable energy, i.e. the green transition, are injecting tens of billions of euros into Northern Finland. For example, it is estimated that around 65 % all wind power production planned for Finland will be in the four northern regions.
Consumers and companies providing products and services to consumers, as well as the capital that finances them, are the primary drivers of the green transition. For this reason, investments in the green transition are important for the Finnish economy and for safeguarding our well-being. The green transition must be fair. It is therefore essential that the interaction of civil society develops in a way that reconciles environmental, social and economic aspects.
The government must ensure that Finland remains an attractive investment environment and that renewable energy industries are added to energy production. The fact that the industry is located close to energy production reduces the need for investment in transmission networks.
Well-functioning transport connections to Sweden and Norway support the security of supply, defence and growth of Finland as a whole. The development of the land connection through the north to Europe and the northern sea areas must continue during the next government term. The Transport12 criteria of the national transport system plan must be reassessed due to the changing global environment.
Finland and Europe must become more self-sufficient and independent of the energy, raw materials and components produced by politically unstable regions. The Finnish economy needs to be reformed and productivity improved so that our well-being can in cooperation withstand the care needs of a shrinking workforce and a growing population.
The Regional Assemblys of Northern Finland, together in cooperation with other stakeholders in the region, propose that the next Government launch the Government-level Northern Programme. The aim of the programme is to improve the security, geopolitical position, sustainable growth and well-being of Finland as a whole. A national programme is needed because this is transnational cooperation.
Presidents of the Board of the Regional Assemblys
Regional Assembly of Lapland
Katri Kulmuni in the middle.
Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Jussi Ylitalo in the middle.
Kainuu Regional Assembly
Sakari Seppänen in the middle.
Regional Assembly of Central Ostrobothnia
Timo Pärkkä in the middle.
