Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
The letters OULU in pink in front of Tuira, each decorated in honour of the summer and the year of the Capital of Culture.

Front page › news › Project sparring to support the call for projects "Municipalities as implementers of the green transition" in October

news

24.09.2026

Project sparring to support the call for projects "Municipalities as implementers of the green transition" in October

A summery field landscape in cooperation in cooperation with red wooden houses and farm buildings behind the field. In the background of the forest. The sky is cloudy and blue.

Are you preparing a project application for the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia's Municipalities implementing the green transition application (ERDF)? Are there any challenges in the structure of the application, in the measures considered or, for example, in considering the results of a lump-sum project that you would like guidance on? Or has it been a while since the last project was prepared?

The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia organises project sparring for applicants and opportunities to present projects in October. The purpose of the project clinics is to support the preparation of the project "Municipalities as implementers of the green transition". Two types of project preparation support are available: project sparring and project presentation. Participating in a project sparring or presentation does not guarantee a positive progress in the subsequent evaluation of applications.

1. PROJECTS – Monday 5 October and Friday 16 October

Project sparring on the 5th of October focuses on projects that are still looking in their direction. This may be, for example, a reflection on the objectives and outputs of a lump sum project, the suitability of a project idea for an open call, or any other question related to project planning for which the applicant wishes to receive sparring. The project clinic works especially for applicants who have a period of time since the previous project or, for example, who are less familiar with the ERDF as a financial instrument.

Sparring works in such a way that the project operator(s) book for 30 minutes from the Regional Development Manager (the already booked times will be updated on the page). Sparring is arranged through Teams. The actors present to the Association's experts the background information and the idea of the project as it currently stands. Therefore, the project can still be very raw and guidance can be obtained, for example, for choosing a cost model or for supporting the planning of the outputs of a lump sum-type project.

However, it is a good idea to prepare for sparring by considering questions in advance and preparing a preliminary proposal to highlight the theme and content of the project. This allows you to get the most out of your limited time. The proposal does not need to be submitted in advance.

Available times:

  • Monday 5.10. 12.00-12.30
  • Monday 5.10. 12.45-13.15.
  • Monday 5 October from 13:30 to 14:00
  • Monday 5.10. at 14.15-14.45.
  • Monday 5 October from 15:00 to 15:30.
  • Friday 16.10. 12.45-13.15
  • Friday 16 October from 13:30 to 14:00

 

2. PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS – Tuesday 20 October and Monday 26 October

Project presentations aim at presenting more ready-made project ideas and getting feedback. The project presentation is suitable for projects that have already been prepared further and want feedback on the project idea as well as possible last-minute comments to support the finalisation of the project application. The appointments are booked from the Regional Development Manager (the appointments already booked will be updated on the page).

This is a pre-existing model in the union. Guidelines for project idea rapporteurs - Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia

How to prepare for the project presentation?

  • A maximum of 30 minutes is reserved for the entire event. The presentation of the project idea should be kept tight, for a maximum of 10-15 minutes. The presentation is limited to the project being planned.
  • The presentation of the project idea should reveal the following: the need for the project, the objectives, the main measures, the results, the estimated cost and the duration of the project. If the project is a group project, the role of the actors in the project should be highlighted. It is recommended to avoid detailed general presentations of the organisation or, for example, a comprehensive history review, unless these are relevant to the content of the project.
  • The presentation films are sent 1-2 days before the event to the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region (for the Development Manager) so that the experts have time to familiarise themselves in cooperation in cooperation with the project idea before the event.

Available times:

  • Tuesday 20.10. 9.15-9.45.
  • Tuesday 20.10. at 10.00-10.30
  • Tuesday 20.10. at 10.45-11.15
  • Monday 26 October, 1.30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Monday 26.10. at 14.15-14.45
  • Monday 26 October, 15.00-15.30

Attention to Project Clinics

  • Participation in the project clinic and the presentation of the project idea are voluntary. The project can also be applied for without a project clinic or presentation, and participation in these does not guarantee the project's positive progress in the subsequent evaluation of applications.
  • As usual, advice to support project preparation can also be obtained directly from regional development experts. Consider whether direct contact in cooperation in cooperation with an expert would be sufficient to support the project preparation.
  • The presentation times of the project idea are limited. The presentation of the project idea is best suited to operators whose previous project has been a long time ago or there are clear issues to be solved in the project preparation, for which the applicant wishes to receive guidance.

Funding call for municipalities implementing the green transition

You can find the call for applications here: EURA 2021: 13th call for projects of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia ERDF 1.9.2026 – 30.10.2026
Search info material here: ERDF application info 10.9.2026 Municipalities-green transition promoters

Please contact: 

Laura Kelhä, Regional Development Manager, laura.kelha@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi or tel. +358 40 685 4016

The project clinics are organised as part of the Interreg Europe-funded Rural COOP project, in which the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia acts as a co-executor. You can read more about the project here: Rural COOP project

Keywords:

ERDF, county development and financing, rural coop

Related articles

18.09.2026
Rural COOP partners familiarised themselves with good practices in Northern Ostrobothnia

Figure: In early September, Rural COOP partners and stakeholders gathered in Oulu and Ii for the project's first international study visit to learn about good practices in sustainable rural development, climate work and the circular economy. On 2-3 September 2026, the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia hosted the first international study visit of the Interreg Europe-funded Rural COOP project in Oulu and Ii. During the two days, project partners and regional stakeholders from across Europe learned about good practices in sustainable rural development, climate work, the circular economy and regional cooperation, and exchanged experiences on the future of regional development. The Rural COOP project develops the sustainable territorial development of rural and mountainous areas through foresight, inclusion and cooperation approaches. Study visits are a key part of the project's peer learning, the aim of which is to find new solutions for the development of regional policy measures. Partners from seven countries The study visit was attended by project partners and stakeholders from Finland, Sweden, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, Albania and Switzerland. The participants included experts in regional development, representatives of municipalities, research organisations and actors working on the circular economy and sustainable development. In addition to the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, regional stakeholders, such as representatives of the municipality of Ii, the municipality of Muhos and the Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu, participated in the visit from Northern Ostrobothnia. - Our regions are different in size, structure and stage of development, but as rural areas we are united by many of the same challenges. Therefore, exchanging experiences with European partners is particularly valuable, says Project Manager Anna-Maija Toivonen. The first day of the study visit was held in Ii, Finland. The day started with acquainting students with the activities of Aseman koulu and the well-known 50/50 model, where students actively participate in energy saving and the development of sustainable everyday solutions. Participants were also able to get to know the nature of Ii on a short nature walk. The programme continued in Micropolis, where the participants heard about the long-term climate and sustainability work of the municipality of Ii. Mayor Marjukka Manninen presented how Ii, as a small municipality, managed to build an internationally known model of climate work together with residents, companies and communities. The proposals sparked a lot of debate on how the involvement of local communities can support the achievement of environmental objectives and strengthen the vitality of regions. During the day, the regional development work in Northern Ostrobothnia and the thematic funding call organised under the Rural COOP project (ERDF) were also presented. Tiina Rajala, Development Director of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, gave guests an overview of the region and its regional development system, while Katarina Timisjärvi, Regional Development Specialist, and Laura…, Regional Development Manager

28.08.2026
"Municipalities implementing the green transition" The 13th round of Structural Fund projects opens on 1 September 2026

The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region is applying for project funding from the EU's Regional and Structural Policy Programme Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027 for specific objective 2.1 Promoting energy efficiency measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, the call aims at municipality-based projects that develop and pilot local solutions and operating models to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In projects, a municipality, a community of municipalities or a region made up of several municipalities can act as a development and experimental environment for the green transition and bring together companies, residents, research and education organisations and other stakeholders in the region. The call encourages the development and implementation of new practices, technologies and solutions that improve energy efficiency or slow down climate change, as well as the increase of related know-how in municipal organisations. The projects can strengthen municipalities' competence and capacity to act in promoting the green transition, for example by developing operating models for energy efficiency and emissions assessment, sustainable public procurement practices, and by strengthening municipalities' climate and energy efficiency work. The aim is to improve, for example, the capacity of municipalities to utilise comparable emission data and to assess the emission reduction potential, costs and benefits of different measures to support decision-making. Concrete development and piloting measures and a clear description of the results to be achieved are requested from the projects. Projects can also carry out various studies to support municipalities’ capacity to contribute to the green transition. More information about applying for funding from this link  

28.08.2026
Sign up for the Northern Ostrobothnia Tourism Forum 2026!

Wednesday 14.10.2026 from 9.00 to 15.00 Venue: Hotel Lasaretti, Aurora Hall, Kasarmintie 13 B, Oulu Registration for the Northern Ostrobothnia Tourism Forum 2026 The most important tourism seminar in Northern Ostrobothnia will be held again in October - sign up! The event brings together tourism companies, developers and decision-makers to hear and discuss current topics and future opportunities in the field. This year's themes are the permanent impact of the title year on the region, the importance of events for tourism, and the role of artificial intelligence and responsibility in the sustainable and competitive development of tourism. Programme 8.00 Morning coffee and registration 9.00 Introduction to the event 9.05 Opening remarks Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director, Visit Finland 9.30 Keynote - Heritage of the European Capital of Culture Year Suvi Innilä, Turku 800 Project Director, City of Turku Innilä has served as Project Manager and Programme Director for the European Capital of Culture year 2011 and as Programme Manager for the centenary of Finland's independence. 9.50 Commentary and discussion 10.30 Break 10.50 Development of events in Kuusamo Niina Kukka, event manager, Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism Regional Assembly 11.05 Building a successful event, the significance of international tourism and the year of the Capital of Culture Oulu, Syöte and Kalajoki 11.45 Lunch, self-sufficient 13.00 Investments and accessibility development accelerated by the Year of Culture Oulu Chamber of Commerce and BusinessOulu 13.30 Artificial intelligence is changing tourism: What is worth doing now? Ville Niemijärvi, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Senior Consultant, Flowhouse 14.00 Comment: YT Anderson, Visit Northern Finland 14.10 The situation and future of tourism funding Saija Tikkanen, Specialist in International Affairs, Regional Assembly of Oulu Region Pasi Loukasmäki, Head of Finance Unit, Vitality Centre 14.30 Oulu2026 End of the Capital of Culture year highlights Samu Forsblom, Programme Director, Oulu Cultural Foundation 14.45 Visit Northern Finland Current and closing words Y.T. Anderson, CEO, Visit Northern Finland Oy 15.00 Changes to the programme are possible. We will complete the speeches during the autumn. The event will be held at Hotel Lasaret in Oulu, but you can also participate remotely via stream. For the participants of the event, an accommodation quota is reserved from the hotel for a special price156 €/night/2hh. Reservations for rooms from the quota for 13-15 October must be made by 14 September at the latest using the reservation code "42402 Business Oulu 13.-15.10.2026". Reservations directly to the hotel by phone or e-mail: tel. +358 20 757 4701, lasaretti@lasaretti.com. Due to the limited capacity of the facilities, student groups are welcomed to follow the event via stream. Welcome to network, inspire and develop tourism together! The event is organized by BusinessOulu, Oulu Chamber of Commerce, Visit Northern Finland Oy and Northern Ostrobothnia…

27.08.2026
The 8th round of applications for sustainable urban development opens on 1 September 2026

The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, in cooperation in cooperation in cooperation with the City of Oulu, is launching an ERDF project application for the implementation of the ecosystem agreement between the State and the City of Oulu. The content of the Oulu ecosystem agreement consists of the strategic focus areas and spearhead programmes of the Oulu Innovation Alliance for 2021-2027. The application round is open 1.9. – 9.10.2026. Priority axis 1 is open for this call. Innovative Finland and its specific objectives 1.1: Improving research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies, 1.2: Exploiting the benefits of digitalisation for citizens, businesses and public administrations and 1.3: Improving the growth and competitiveness of SMEs and Axis 2: Carbon-neutral Finland and its specific objectives 2.1: Promoting energy efficiency measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and 2.3: Promoting the transition to a circular economy. In the project application process, the maximum amount of ERDF funding for sustainable urban development is 800,000 euros. ERDF applications must be submitted to the authority via the EURA2021 system. More information about applying from this link.

Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture

EastNorth Finland

Europe Direct Northern Ostrobothnia

Regional Assembly of Oulu Region | Regional Assembly of Oulu region
Coat of arms of Northern Ostrobothnia