10.06.2026
The government's goal is right – EU funding for northern sparsely populated areas must be secured
The Finnish Government has done a good job by highlighting the importance of funding for the northern and sparsely populated areas of the EU (NSPA) in its positions. However, Finland has traditionally left the negotiation of key contributions to the final stages of the EU process. The background of Finland's accession treaty is so strong for NSPA support that Eastern and Northern Finland encourages the government to ensure special support as early as possible.
"Finland must also request separate funding for northern sparsely populated areas for the upcoming EU funding period starting in 2028. This is not a specific regional wish, but an increase in the total amount of EU funding coming to Finland as a whole and a prerequisite for our country's growth, security of supply and the effectiveness of EU funding’, says vs. Region Mayor Hannu Takkula Lapland, the presidencies of the regions of Eastern and Northern Finland.
NSPA funding increases the amount of EU funding received by Finland as a whole
The EU's cohesion policy aims to reduce regional disparities and strengthen Europe's competitiveness. When Finland and Sweden joined the EU, it was recognised that the long distances, sparse populations and harsh climatic conditions in Eastern and Northern Finland required special measures. Separate funding for the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA) was created to take account of these permanent handicaps, complementing other EU funding received by Finland. NSPA funding increases the total amount of Finnish EU funding, it is not excluded from other EU funding received by Finland, or it increases Finland's EU payments.
The French and Portuguese Overseas Territories, for example, are also eligible for similar separate funding on the basis of adverse conditions.
Finland's Treaty of Accession and the principle of jurisprudence oblige us to take into account the special needs of northern sparsely populated areas
The specific needs of northern sparsely populated areas are enshrined both in the EU Treaties and in the new Partnership Regulation. In addition, the Finnish Government has outlined its support for the continuation of the NSPA ring-fenced funding and the European Parliament has called for its earmarking to be restored.
By investing in Eastern and Northern Finland, a sparsely populated area can become a strategic asset for the EU. The region is key for the clean industrial transition, access to critical raw materials and energy self-sufficiency. At the same time, it forms the EU’s northern and eastern external border, whose vitality is directly linked to European security and resilience. Therefore, cohesion policy in the NSPA region is by nature a dual-use instrument: it strengthens competitiveness and security at the same time. in cooperation without NSPA funding, the development potential of Eastern and Northern Finland in particular would be significantly weakened.
Finland's preparations for the next funding period have been strongly national and ministry-led
The regions of Eastern and Northern Finland are concerned about the direction of preparations for the next EU funding period, where the aim seems to be to focus funding more on national steering. If regional programmes and earmarking are weakened, there is a risk that funding will not focus on the real needs of the regions and that the EU's common objectives will not be achieved. Future prosperity and fiscal consolidation require growth and the effectiveness of funding in the regions.
If Finland transfers EU funding for regional development as part of the national financial framework, this means that for all Finnish regions, the objectives of EU cohesion policy will not be realised as the EU has intended.
“We feel that this preparation lacks a genuine regional partnership, even though the EU sees the counties as key partners in the preparation of the funding period. Concentrating regional development away from the regions does not make the system more efficient or results better. The most effective way to use EU European European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (ERDF)s is through a place-based approach, based on the regions’ own strengths and needs.’ tvs. Region Mayor Takkula.
Additional information:
FAQ - Most of Finland
Hannu Takkula
vs. Region Mayor
Chairman of cooperation between the regions of Eastern and Northern Finland
Regional Regional Assembly of Lapland
hannu.takkula(at)lapinliitto.fi
tel. +358 400 203 300
Kari Aalto
director
EU Office for Eastern and Northern Finland
Tel. +358 40 773 8888
kari.aalto(at)eastnorth.fi
Hanna Honkamäkilä
Secretary-General
Programme preparation for Eastern and Northern Finland
Tel. +358 40 685 4040
hanna.honkamakila(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
