The challenge of economic growth is the most important issue to be solved in Finland in the next few years. The provincial leaders of the 18 regions of mainland Finland have published their views on ‘Associations of provinces as drivers of growth policy’ for the next parliamentary term. The regional leaders propose that the regional councils take greater responsibility for the preparation and implementation of regional growth policy. Regional councils 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, provinces 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 provincial federations emphasise that preparations will be made in the coming months for the next …
In the stakeholder workshop in May, regional actors were involved in the planning of the autumn ERDF theme application. The thematic call is scheduled to start in September 2026 and the call for applications will amount to EUR 500,000. One of the objectives of the Rural Coop project implemented by the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia is to develop new regional development practices, especially from the perspective of the funding process. – The autumn ERDF call is a Rural Coop call linked to Specific Objective 2.1. Promoting energy efficiency measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The specific objective is set out very broadly in the programming document and allows for a wide range of projects to be carried out under it. This is why we wanted to organize a workshop. We wanted to hear from municipalities, in particular, what matters are topical in energy efficiency and climate work. We aim to take thoughts and ideas into account in the preparation of the call for applications, explains Laura Kelhä, Regional Development Manager. The event brought together a total of 29 participants representing a diverse range of our county…
The Finnish Government has done a good job by highlighting the importance of funding for the northern and sparsely populated areas of the EU (NSPA) in its positions. However, Finland has traditionally left the negotiation of key contributions to the final stages of the EU process. The background of Finland's accession treaty is so strong for NSPA support that Eastern and Northern Finland encourages the government to ensure special support as early as possible. "Finland must also request separate funding for northern sparsely populated areas for the upcoming EU funding period starting in 2028. This is not a regional special request, but an increase in the total amount of EU funding coming to Finland as a whole and a prerequisite for Finland's growth, security of supply and the effectiveness of EU funding", says Hannu Takkula, Vice-President of the Regional Council of Eastern and Northern Finland from Lapland. NSPA funding increases the amount of EU funding received by Finland as a whole The purpose of EU cohesion policy is to reduce…
The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia participated on 3 June. At the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESMA) General Assembly in Brussels, the first version of the future EU Chips Act 2.0 strategy was presented. It aims to increase the EU’s strategic self-sufficiency by accelerating European chip production and design. The strategy will contribute to shaping EU investments in microelectronics for the future programming period, including in the northern region, and will thus be an important instrument for regional development. Active involvement in the ESFA creates new networks and opportunities for businesses in the regions, which are particularly valuable in terms of the high investment costs associated with the production of microelectronics. Collaboration with different European regions provides access to resources that would otherwise often be inaccessible, which was highlighted by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNET)….
The online webinar for the regional cooperation groups (MYRs) of the Regional Councils 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 Satu Sikanen, Regional Director of South Karelia. Regional Counsellor Lyly Rajala (Chairman of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, MYR) gave a presentation on the role of regional cooperation groups in steering regional development. Johanna Osenius, Director of Regional Development at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, presented the state's perspective on the preparation of the next funding period, and Mikko Kangas, Development Manager at the Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia, opened up the key contents of the national and regional partnership plan. ‘I am…
The centres of vitality have opened a new national call for funding to support significant investments by SMEs of at least EUR 10 million. The aim of the call is to accelerate the significant growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially export-oriented investments, throughout the country. The call for applications is open until 31.8.2026 and the maximum funding available is EUR 19 million. The national call is aimed at SMEs seeking significant growth and exports, adopting new resource-efficient production technologies or developing clean transition solutions. The aid is granted in the form of a business development grant for vitality centres. Grants may be awarded for the purchase of machinery and equipment based on new technologies, for intangible investments, for the construction of production-related, necessary and self-contained production facilities and for the related civil engineering costs. The total cost of the investment project must be at least 10 million…
The Climate Working Group meeting of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) in the Oulu region on 27-28 May 2026 brought together European regions to discuss strengthening climate resilience and carbon sinks as part of EU climate policy. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia hosted the meeting and was an active player in the CPMR network, highlighting the perspectives of the regions in the preparation of the EU's climate policy. The aim was to strengthen the position of the regions both as implementers of solutions and as shapers of their direction. Key themes were carbon sinks, carbon removal and the development of financing and management. Discussions highlighted the need to improve the ability of regions to influence and make use of EU-level funding. The message of the meeting was clear: climate resilience is built in the regions – and their role in the EU’s future solutions will be key. Watch the video: Atmospheres from the CPMR Climate Working Group meeting and field visit to Northern Ostrobothnia
The Regional Councils 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 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. Laura Kelhä, Head of Regional Development at the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, participated in the study visit organised by the European Commission Representation in Finland. “However, the most fruitful part was networking and discussing with representatives of other provinces.” Technology and cohesion policy important topics in Northern Ostrobothnia The visit included a topical update by Commissioner Henna…
The third term of office of the Northern Ostrobothnia Climate Work Advisory Board began with a meeting held in Oulu on 26 May 2026. The Advisory Board brings together key actors in the region from different sectors to strengthen cooperation and the effectiveness of climate work. The third term of office continues the previous work of the Advisory Board. In the first period, a common direction was defined and a climate road map was drawn up, and in the second, targets were put into practice. Now the focus is on strengthening cooperation, effectiveness and building an up-to-date situational picture. The meeting discussed the role of the Advisory Board in promoting climate work as well as key climate issues in the region. The discussion focused on issues such as carbon sinks and land use, the energy transition, adaptation to climate change, agriculture, forestry and security of supply. Municipal climate work materialises in everyday solutions, such as the municipal structure, transport system and environmental protection, but resources are limited. Companies are key implementers of climate solutions, and expertise,…
The IP AKKE funding is called the national appropriation for supporting the sustainable growth and vitality of the regions, which, in accordance with the Government's decision, is available for approximately 16 million for the implementation of programmes in Eastern and Northern Finland. The funding authority is the Regional Council of South Karelia, which opened the project applications at the beginning of March 2026. The first selection period for the IP AKKE funding call ended on Friday 15 May 2026. In the first selection period, a total of 33 applications were submitted for a total amount of more than EUR 52 million. The number of applications exceeded expectations and indicates a strong interest in the implementation of the programmes. At the same time, the amount of aid applied for far exceeds the available appropriation of EUR 16 million. “The number of applications shows that the objectives of the programmes are considered very timely and necessary. Particularly gratifying is the fact that trans-regional cooperation is visible…
