15.06.2026
Unlocking the growth potential of regions
The challenge of economic growth is the most important issue to be solved in Finland in the next few years. The Region Mayors of the 18 regions of mainland Finland have published their views on ‘Regional Assemblys of regions as drivers of growth policy’ for the next parliamentary term.
The regional leaders propose that the Regional Assemblys take greater responsibility for the preparation and implementation of regional growth policy. Regional Assemblys are already responsible for the strategic direction, foresight, advocacy and regional planning of the development of their regions, which is a prerequisite for major industrial and energy investments.
Growth is not generated by steering from above, but by counties in different parts of Finland. Stronger strategic contractual relations between the state, regions and municipalities are needed to accelerate and coordinate growth-oriented actions. The agreements must be linked to the future EU programming period starting in 2028 and its funding.
The Regional Assemblys emphasise that the national and regional plan for the next EU period, which will be prepared in the coming months, must be area-based.
"An approach that addresses the strengths and real needs of the regions will ensure the best impact of EU funding to deliver new growth", underlines the Chair of the Region Mayors in 2026. Satu Sikanen Union of South Karelia.
The regional The Regional Assemblys see the potential of the EU Competitiveness Fund as important. Funding directly sought in Brussels to support innovation, research and industrial renewal is more than doubling, according to the European Commission's baseline proposal. The repatriation of the Competitiveness Fund can improve Finland's net contribution position in the EU.
The regional The Regional Assemblys emphasise that it is sensible for the state to invest seed funding in regional The Regional Assemblys so that the The Regional Assemblys in their own regions and in cooperation in cooperation with the regions can create the conditions for applying for and obtaining competitive EU funding. Every million nationally invested can add tens of millions and accelerate the necessary investments in areas such as skills and industrial renewal.
"regional The Regional Assemblys, together in cooperation with municipalities, companies and development stakeholders, have regional ecosystems in different parts of Finland, from which new sources of growth are built in Finland, when only the tools and resources of regional The Regional Assemblys and municipalities for vitality work are in order," says Satu Sikanen, Regional Director.
Additional information:
Satu Sikanen, tel. +358 400 661318
President of the Region Mayors, Region Mayor
Regional Assembly of South Karelia
Jussi Rämet, tel. +358 40 586 3877
Region Mayor
Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
