17.08.2026
Application period for ERDF funding open until 30 September 2026
The ERDF call for applications for the 2021-2027 programming period of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia is open until 30 September 2026! In this call for applications, ERDF applications will be accepted in accordance with the following specific objectives: 1.1. Improving research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies 2.3. Promoting the transition to a circular economy 3.1. Developing regional and local accessibility A total of EUR 2 820 000 is planned to be used to finance incoming projects. The maximum contribution requested (ERDF+Member State) is 70 % development project and up to 70 % the total cost of the investment project. Before preparing your application, you should read more about the Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027 programme document and the contents of the above-mentioned specific objectives. Projects financed under Specific Objective 1.1 must also be in line with the Northern Ostrobothnia Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2025. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia's ERDF project selection emphasises the promotion of development targets in accordance with the provincial programme for Northern Ostrobothnia 2026-2029 and the provincial implementation plan for security of supply and comprehensive security. In addition, the assessment of applications under priority axis two focuses on their suitability as a project under the Northern Ostrobothnia Climate Roadmap 2021-2030. You can access the call for applications here: EURA 2021: The 12th call for applications of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia ERDF 4.5.-30.9.2026 The material of the call for applications organised in May can be found here: More information on the current call for applications is available from the contact persons of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia: Jarkko Kärkimaa, Regional Development Specialist, tel. +358 50 520 6670 Aki Lappalainen, Regional Development Specialist, tel. +358 40 502 1851 Heikki Laukkanen, Regional Development Specialist, tel. +358 50 918 0035 Katarina Timisjärvi, Regional Development Specialist, tel. +358 40 685 4025 Laura Kelhä, Regional Development Manager, tel. +358 40 685 4016 (especially project presentations)
18.06.2026
On-the-spot verifications support the implementation of the project
In May, the payment experts of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia familiarised themselves with various projects during on-the-spot verifications. On the left is Miehonsuo research environment and researcher Maarit Liimatainen (LUKE). On the right, Leo Aho, Project Manager at the Brahe School of Technology and Services, and Mari Väänänen, Payment Specialist at the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia has launched on-site verifications for 2026. This year, payment experts will visit around 20 different ERDF or JTF project sites in the region. Control extends to 15% of all ERDF and JTF projects co-financed by the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia for the 2021-2027 programming period. In addition, verifications may be carried out for projects that have received national funding. The verification is carried out under the guidance of a payment expert, and a regional development expert supervising the project is also present. The projects to be audited are selected on the basis of different criteria. A selection of different projects will be sought for verification: the main or partial implementers of group projects, single operator projects, projects of different sizes and types. In addition, as a rule, large projects with public support exceeding EUR 800 000 are always audited. The main objective of the visit is to ensure that the project has been implemented in accordance with the project plan and decision. The verification covers, among other things, the correctness of procurements and the costs incurred. For example, in the case of projects using unit costs for salaries, the basis for calculating the hourly rate is checked. – The on-the-spot visits supplement the checks carried out in connection with the payment application. At the same time, it is worth treating it as a guidance visit, where you can also ask questions to us," says Mari Väänänen, Payment Specialist. The visit will also often discuss the results of the project and communication-related issues. In terms of communication, the most important are, for example, the EU symbols found in materials, materials and premises, as well as the logo of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. They give visibility to the activities carried out in the projects. In addition, the verification reviews the performance indicators defined in the project plan and their implementation during the project. Traceability is essential from the point of view of the indicators in order to ensure that the result is actually produced. In addition to the indicators, often to the surprise of the project operator, the horizontal principles defined in the project plan are also reviewed. Continuity of development activities after the project is also discussed. It would be a good idea to prepare for the visit by compiling the project documents together and by considering, for example, the project's indicator data and horizontal principles in advance. In addition, for smooth verification, it would be most useful to have people who are genuinely implementing the project and who are able to answer the questions raised. – A helpful and open mind is also important. Verification…
21.05.2026
Plenty of applications for funding for the implementation of programmes in Eastern and Northern Finland
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. It is particularly gratifying that cross-regional cooperation is already strongly visible in the project preparation phase," says Senior Adviser Hanna‑Maria Urjankangas from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Urjankangas chairs the steering group guiding the IP AKKE funding package. Of the applications, 19 were directed to the region of Eastern Finland, seven to the region of Northern Finland and seven were cross-regional projects. The applications will now be submitted for evaluation. The aim is to carry out evaluations even before the summer holiday season, but the large number of applications may delay the processing schedule of applications. As the selection process progresses, the Regional Council of South Karelia will inform about the possible continuation of the application process. If not all IP AKKE funding is used for project applications submitted in the first selection period, the next selection period will end on 30 October 2026. If, on the other hand, the entire appropriation is already committed to projects through funding decisions, the Regional Council of South Karelia will suspend the application process. Further information: Regional Development Manager Heli Gynther, Regional Council of South Karelia, heli.gynther@ekarjala.fi, +358 40 485 5109
04.05.2026
Investments and accessibility were highlighted in regional development discussions in Northern Finland
In the annual regional development discussions between the state and the regions, continuous changes in the operating environment were highlighted this spring. The geopolitical situation, tightening public finances and the weakening of young people's future faith and well-being all have an impact on regional development. The position and strategic importance of Northern Finland, both in terms of overall security and large-scale investments, have grown significantly in recent years. The investment potential of the North is exceptionally high - estimates move up to EUR 80 billion over the next ten years. The investments focus on the clean transition, such as renewable energy and the extractive sector, as well as on industry and solutions that strengthen security of supply. From the point of view of investments, investments related to accessibility and the transport system, permitting processes and their duration, the possibility to anticipate the operating environment and the general availability of financing played a key role. From a financial point of view, the coordination of different sources of funding is key. The vitality of the sparsely populated north was found to be strategically important for Finland as a whole. Permanent settlement in border areas creates security and enables local food production. Energy investments in the North strengthen the country's energy self-sufficiency and security of supply, while creating jobs and livelihoods in the region. In particular, the importance of accessibility and dual-use infrastructure as a critical development target for Northern Finland was highlighted in the discussions. The strategic position of the north, long distances and sparsely populated areas, as well as climate factors, make transport connections and telecommunications networks critical. In particular, investments are needed in transport connections to Sweden and Norway, starting from the eastern border, and in the backhaul connections in Northern Finland. It is also necessary to ensure the continuity of air connections and to improve the condition of the road network. In addition to physical accessibility, digital security of supply is emphasised in northern sparsely populated areas. Energy networks also need to be strengthened for investments in the clean transition. In the view of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, there is a need for long-term strategic work that extends beyond government terms and supports the operating conditions of Northern Finland. Ensuring the continuity and timeliness of the Northern Programme is key in this regard. In the Northern Finland programme, cooperation between the northern regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway in cooperation with the regions is of paramount importance and the provinces should play an active role in this. The annual regional development debates (ALKE debates) were held in the provinces of Northern Finland on 26 March 2026. In regional development discussions, the state and the counties review the objectives and operating conditions of regional development with the aim of strengthening the vitality and self-development of the regions. From the state side, several different administrative branches participate in the discussions, which makes it possible to pay attention to the factors that jointly affect the development of each province.…
