11.11.2026
Commission Work Programme 2027 strengthens competitiveness, security and the vitality of regions
On 4 November 2026, the European Commission published its work programme for 2027. The programme emphasises European competitiveness, strategic self-sufficiency, security and territorial cohesion. From the perspective of Northern Ostrobothnia, strengthening the vitality of the regions, preparing for the upcoming EU funding period, the potential of clean energy and critical raw materials, and overall security are particularly important.
The work programme includes 23 key initiatives and 10 regulatory simplification actions. The Commission aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, reduce strategic dependencies and streamline investment.
Five key lifts for Northern Ostrobothnia
1. The right to stay – the vitality and power of the regions
Planned for early 2027 Right to Stay The Strategy highlights the opportunities for people to live, work and build their future in their own region. Key issues for Northern Ostrobothnia include the availability of skilled labour, the power of retaining young people, the accessibility of services and the balanced development of regions.
2. Future EU funding period 2028-2034
Preparations for the next financial period are progressing. For Northern Ostrobothnia, it is important to secure funding for regional and structural policy and to take into account the special conditions, long distances and strategic importance of the northern sparsely populated areas.
3. Competitiveness, energy and critical raw materials
The Commission aims to accelerate permitting procedures for investments, strengthen energy security and secure access to critical raw materials. The initiatives support North Ostrobothnia's potential in the development of clean energy, mineral economy, industry and research and innovation.
4. Climate change adaptation and biodiversity
The Commission is preparing new actions on climate risk management, as well as a review of the Nature Directives. Central to Northern Ostrobothnia is to reconcile the safeguarding of biodiversity, the prerequisites for a sustainable natural resource economy and the development of livelihoods.
5. Security and resilience
The EU will strengthen defence, border management and crisis preparedness. From the perspective of Northern Ostrobothnia, security of supply, critical infrastructure, secure connections and the role of the northern regions in the overall security of Europe are emphasised.
Northern regions' perspective important in influencing the EU
The Regional Council of North Ostrobothnia considers it important that the EU's new initiatives and solutions for the upcoming funding period identify the special features and strengths of the northern regions. The vitality, accessibility, skills and security of the regions are not only regional issues, but also issues related to the competitiveness and strategic capacity of Europe as a whole.
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