27.09.2022
The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region outlined its government programme objectives
At its meeting on 26 September, the Regional Board of Northern Ostrobothnia outlined the objectives of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region for the 2023 Government Programme negotiations.
The the Board of the Regional Regional Assembly emphasises northern solutions for security of supply, agriculture, climate and food economy. The operating conditions of Finnish agriculture must be taken into account even more strongly in the coming government term. Support structures for the agricultural environment must support active and sustainable production. This requires a strong and proactive Influencing on EU policies and a greater understanding of the specific agricultural and forestry issues in the region and their relevance and relation to existing climate objectives.
Universities and their ecosystems act as innovation engines in their regions. Adequate basic funding for universities and universities of applied sciences enables world-class innovations and ensures long-term research and teaching in Northern Ostrobothnia.
Northern Ostrobothnia is the key to Finland's energy transition. The Government Programme must recognise the importance of the region in renewable and sustainable energy production and ensure the availability of energy and raw materials in the region. Significant support measures are needed to accelerate northern investments in green hydrogen and biogas production facilities, electricity storage and the stabilisation of electricity production. A centre of expertise for the wind power cluster is emerging in the north to serve national needs, and the sector's RDI activities must be intensified in the region.
One of the key goals is to secure the accessibility of the north as a gateway to the west. The TEN-T core network includes the main line, highway 4 and connections to and from ports and the airport as the basis for national security of supply, defence and northern competitiveness. A framework for the implementation of the TEN-T core network should be provided in the Government Road Network Investment Programme. The the Board of the Regional Regional Assembly calls for an increase in the level of funding for road maintenance, taking into account primary production, security of supply and the needs of industry also on the lower-degree road network. Funding for broadband and digital services must be ensured.
The northern meanings of culture must be strengthened. The year 2026 of Oulu's Capital of Culture will be implemented during the next government term. This should be used as an opportunity to start cultural climate change throughout Northern Ostrobothnia. The Capital of Culture year serves as a lever for the development of creative industries and industries in the region.
In the preparation of the next EU programming period, the Finnish Government must safeguard the regional development needs of Northern and Eastern Finland in both national and EU preparations. Northern and Eastern Finland has a special status in the Treaty of Accession of Finland to the EU, which differs from the rest of Finland. From Finland's point of view, it is essential to secure basic funding for cohesion policy and special support for northern sparsely populated areas, taking into account the specific challenges of Northern and Eastern Finland.
In addition, the role and tasks of the regional Regional Assemblys must be safeguarded in cooperation with regard to regional development, the use of areas, strategic planning and development funding through legislative guidelines, including the future Regional Use Act.
