29.05.2026
Regional Assemblys receive information package on topical EU issues
The Regional Assemblys of Mainland Finland carried out a study visit to the European Commission in Brussels in late May. The trip was aimed especially at experienced experts or people in managerial positions.
The purpose of the visit was to provide regional experts in cooperation with information on current topics. Presentations by experts from the European Commission represented a wide range of Commission Directorates-General: DG COMP, responsible for Competition Policy, DG REGIO, responsible for Regional and Urban Policy, DG GROW, responsible for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, and DG DEFIS, responsible for European Defence Industry and Space.
Head of Regional Development of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region participated in the study visit organised by the European Commission Representation in Finland Laura Kelhä, which praised the program of the days for its versatility.
‘However, the most fruitful thing was to network and discuss in cooperation with representatives of other regions.’
Technology and cohesion policy in Northern Ostrobothnia
The visit included a briefing by the Commissioner Henna Virkkunen the work of the Cabinet and a visit to the Permanent Representation of Finland. The topical review of Virkkunen's cabinet highlighted the themes of technological sovereignty, democracy and cyber security, especially from the point of view of strengthening security.
"The work of Virkkunen's cabinet is particularly topical from the perspective of the information point debate in Finland. The topic also concerns Northern Ostrobothnia, as there are several large information point projects underway here", says Laura Kelhä.
DG REGIO's intervention covered current issues of EU cohesion policy and the preparation of the new programming period. The Commission is currently preparing a training package for Member States on performance. The timetable for preparing the programming period is tight, but the Commission is committed to it.
"It is clear that the new programming period will bring changes and the performance perspective will be central in the future," Kelhä says.
On the surface of the eastern border and defense
DG REGIO presented the Urban Agenda for the European Union and proposed measures for the Eastern regions along the Russian-Belarusian-Ukrainian border. The proposal concerns the Member States on the eastern border of the European Union, which have suffered damage as a result of the war of aggression.
One of the five highlights of the proposal is the EastInvest initiative, which aims to mobilise investment through loan support by the end of 2027 in the regions along the EU’s eastern border, namely Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
DG DEFIS highlighted the European Defence Industrial Strategy, the Military Mobility 2025 package and the European Defence Fund (EDF). The objective of the Fund is to increase the competitiveness, efficiency and innovation capacity of the European defence industry and research community. Those interested in funding meet annually in the spring for EDF's info days. Participants in the event will receive information about the conditions of the EDF call and the latest news on the topic. In addition, participants can network and pitch project ideas to investors.
