15.01.2026
Financial cuts in Eastern and Northern Finland would endanger the EU's security of supply and investments
The regions of Eastern and Northern Finland warn that weakening funding for the northern sparsely populated areas (NSPA) in the next EU funding period would endanger the European Union's security of supply, clean energy investments and Finland's overall security. In addition, bypassing the basic principles of the NSPA is contrary to Finland's Treaty of Accession to the EU.
According to the counties, the special support for northern sparsely populated areas (NSPA) is not a national exception or special wish, but an obligation based on the EU Treaties and Finland's membership of the EU. The European Union must support regions in cooperation with permanent structural handicaps, such as sparsely populated areas, long distances and demanding climatic conditions.
The declaration of the Summit of the regions of Eastern and Northern Finland requires that Finland defends NSPA funding decisively in the EU negotiations and that the Regional Assemblys are fully involved in the national preparation and implementation of the funding. The work must be carried out in 2026.
The counties emphasise that the level of cohesion funding is crucial for the amount of EU funding received by Finland as a whole. Taking into account the specificities of the regions has so far strengthened Finland's position in the EU – weakening funding would be a national economic loss.
On an EU scale, Eastern and Northern Finland is an exceptionally important region for investments in critical raw materials, forests, energy and new industries. in cooperation without sufficient cohesion funding, many investments will not materialise, which would undermine the EU’s strategic autonomy and increase dependence on non-EU stakeholders. EU regional and structural policy funding supports business, knowledge, research and innovation, and creates the conditions for new investment and industrial growth.
The regions outlined this in their joint statement at the Eastern and Northern Finland Forum held in Levi on 14-15 January 2026. The Regional Assemblys of Eastern and Northern Finland are Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North Savo, South Savo and North Karelia.
Read the full statement Northern Ostrobothnia website.
Further information:
Hannu Takkula, Regional Director, Regional Assembly of Lapland, hannu.takkula(at)lapinliitto.fi, tel. +358 400 203 300
Regional Director Jussi Rämet, Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, jussi.ramet(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi, tel. +358 40 5863877
Kari Aalto, Director, Eastern‑ and EU‑ office, Northern ‑ Finland, kari.aalto(at)eastnorth.fi, Tel. +358 40 773 8888
