08.06.2026
The first national webinar of regional The Regional Assemblys: "A genuine partnership is the most important"
The online webinar for the regional cooperation groups (MYRs) of the Regional Assemblys of Mainland Finland was held on Thursday 4 June and brought together an extensive group of participants from all over Finland.
The webinar covered up-to-date information on Finland's National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) and the progress of its preparation. This is a key issue, as the European Commission's proposal for the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034 entails significant changes in regional development, in particular in the structure of EU funding programmes.
The event was opened by the Regional Director of South Karelia Satu Sikanen. The Regional Assemblylor was consulted on the programme Lyly Rajalan (The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, Chairman of MYR) speech on the role of regional cooperation groups in steering regional development. Regional Development Director, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Johanna Osenius presented the state's perspective on the preparation of the future financing period, and the Head of Development Mikko Kangas The Regional Assembly of South Ostrobothnia opened up key contents of the national and regional partnership plan.
“I am sure that we in the regions have the capacity to meet the cross-administrative challenge of the NRP and the requirement of performance-based planning. Effectiveness and efficiency will be achieved by ensuring that the counties have a strong role in the preparation", summed up the regional director. Satu Sikanen At the beginning of the event.
The Regional Assemblys emphasise partnership and wide-ranging cooperation in the preparation and implementation of the new plan, as the effectiveness of the NRPP can only come from a regional perspective. Performance-based funding requires strong regional ownership, executive capacity and the ability to manage and develop regional ecosystems. The regional cooperation groups play a key role in this, as they must act as a co-ordinator and strategic steering body.
The webinar itself is an example of cross-border cooperation and partnership: This was the first joint event of the regional The Regional Assemblys for the regional cooperation groups. The event can also be seen as an example of the need for capacity for renewal announced after the event. The NRPP brings in cooperation with it reforms that require a new mindset and renewal at all levels of regional development.
