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The Advisory Board considers it very important that the special characteristics of Eastern and Northern Finland – such as long distances and sparsely populated areas – remain recognised in EU cohesion policy also in the next programming period. Taking special circumstances into account is not only regional, but also in the interest of Finland as a whole. Consideration of sparsely populated areas is central to the success of Finland's cohesion policy as a whole.

Focus on local entrepreneurship and skills 

The role of small and medium-sized enterprises as drivers of regional vitality and innovation is key. Cohesion policy should continue to support industrial restructuring and knowledge-based development. It is important that trends in EU industrial policy also support regional growth and strengthen the competitiveness of the EU as a whole in a diversified way.

Investments in RDI infrastructure make it possible to aim for an increase in the level of RDI to 4% of GDP. The access of SMEs to the latest research data needs to be further strengthened. Cohesion policy plays an important role in increasing RDI intensity, especially in Eastern and Northern Finland. in cooperation without cohesion policy funds, it is impossible to raise the level of RDI.

In Eastern and Northern Finland, the availability of corporate finance is in some cases characterised by challenges due to economic uncertainty and collateral conditions, which may limit the opportunities for export growth, among other things. Tackling these bottlenecks requires coherent cooperation between the regions, the national level and the EU.

Programme changes must be implemented in cooperation within regional frameworks

The Commission's mid-term review proposes to shift 15% of regional and structural funding to new priorities: defence, strategic competitiveness, emission reductions, affordable housing, sustainability of water resources and energy transition. This requires a programme change.

The Advisory Board considers that possible financial transfers should be made in cooperation within the regional frameworks, also taking into account the needs of national measures. This will allow regions to allocate resources to those activities that have the greatest impact locally in the new policies, such as RDI infrastructures and ecosystems that support both civilian and defence needs.

Cohesion policy is above all a strategic and long-term development and investment policy. It's not crisis finance, it's an investment in a common future. The East and the North are not in need of special treatment, but of fairness in the equilibrium of circumstances and differences in development.

Involve regions in the preparation – together for more effective development

The Commission's emphasis on strengthening the role of regions in programme changes and in the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is welcome. The regions have the best local knowledge and the ability to reconcile regional and national objectives. It is therefore important to ensure the involvement of the regions both in the reorientation of existing programmes and in the planning of the new programming period. The OECD also recommends that regions play a strong role in the design and implementation of programmes.

The regions of Eastern and Northern Finland are committed to a constructive dialogue that combines common European goals in cooperation with regional development and strong local know-how.

Tytti Määttä

Regional Director, Northern Savonia

Heini Utunen

Regional Director, South Savo

Riikka Pirkkalainen

Regional Director, Kainuu

Anssi Lahnalampi

Director of Administration, Central Ostrobothnia

Hannu Takkula

vs. Regional Director, Lapland

Markus Hirvonen

Regional Director, North Karelia

Jussi Rämet

Regional Director, Northern Ostrobothnia