19.12.2025
Northern Ostrobothnia and Norrbotten join forces – Regions sign joint declaration on future EU funding
For the first time, the political representatives of the region of Northern Ostrobothnia and the region of Norrbotten in Sweden will take a joint position on the EU's future financial framework. The joint statement targets the EU's 2028-2034 draft budget, which is considered to weaken the position of Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA)s.
Cooperation between Northern Ostrobothnia and Norrbotten has continued for several years. Political representatives have met regularly and cooperation has become more strategic in recent years. The last meeting took place in August 2024 in Oulu and Liminka. The previous visit of representatives of Northern Ostrobothnia was to Luleå in December 2023.
– Our cooperation in cooperation with Norrbotten is long-term and based on shared challenges and opportunities. Now we take it to a new level by taking a joint stand on EU funding. This is the first time that the northern regions have done this together, says the Chairman of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region Lauri Nikula.
This cooperation will focus in particular on transport and infrastructure issues and the role of the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPAs) in the EU. The clearest forum for cooperation has been the NSPA network, where the regions of Northern Finland, Northern Sweden and Northern Norway pursue their common interests.
Concerns about the EU budget proposal unite
A common position was deemed necessary because the European Commission's proposal for the new EU financial framework for 2028-2034 does not include specific funding for northern sparsely populated areas based on the EU accession treaties between Finland and Sweden. This is significantly different from the current 2021-2027 period.
Both Finland and Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, and the accession treaties of both countries recognise the permanent natural and demographic handicaps of northern sparsely populated areas. In their respective positions, the Finnish and Swedish Governments have therefore emphasised the importance of NSPA funding also in the future.
– Finland and the EU are bound by a founding agreement of Accession. Its obligations must be respected. The Commission's proposal jeopardises legal certainty and equal treatment of northern regions, says the Secretary-General of Eastern and Northern Finland preparing proposals for the next funding period Hanna Honkamäkilä.
In the view of the counties, the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA)s will continue to need a strong and modernised cohesion policy. Funding for the NSPA must be clearly defined in the EU regulation and allocated on the basis of transparent, targeted criteria.
– Norrbotten and Northern Ostrobothnia are natural partners and allies. Both are relevant stakeholders at EU level for security and industrial transition. Glenn Berggård, Vice-President of the the Board of the Regional Assembly of Norrbotten.
Looking to future cooperation
The joint statement is part of the broader strategic cooperation that Northern Ostrobothnia and Norrbotten want to further deepen.
– Northern Ostrobothnia and Norrbotten share many similar fstakeholders. The things that unite us are renewable energy, investments in information points and the hydrogen economy. Investments in rail transport and rail connections are important. Our common goal is to make connections in cooperation with the West better. Here we still have a lot to do together, says the regional director Jussi Rämet.
The regions are currently discussing the continuation of cooperation and possible new joint exits in areas such as transport, Arctic policy and EU Influencing. Discussions have taken place during the visit of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region to Boden and Luleå on 18-19 December.
The joint statement is addressed to the Finnish and Swedish Governments, the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Additional information:
Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Lauri Nikula, President of the the Board of the Regional Assembly, tel. +358 40 913 5722, lauri.nikula@ouka.fi
Jussi Rämet, Regional Director, tel. +358 40 586 3877, jussi.ramet@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
Secretary General Hanna Honkamäkilä, +358 40 685 4040, hanna.honkamakila@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
