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 business 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 in the north is exceptionally high, in cooperation in cooperation with estimates moving in the order of 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 business 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 fstakeholders, 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 Assembly of Oulu Region, 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 in cooperation in cooperation with the regions is of paramount importance and the regions should play an active role in this.
Context of the regional development debates
The annual regional development talks (ALKE) were held in the regions 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 in cooperation in cooperation 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 fstakeholders that jointly affect the development of each region. Based on the discussions, regional situational pictures are created.
The discussions are based on the Government's regional development decision, regional programmes and the situational picture of regional development. in cooperation in cooperation with regard to the northern regions, the discussion was restricted to investments supporting the vitality and accessibility of the north, as well as related measures. In addition, the continuity of the Northern Programme over the reigns was one of the key themes highlighted.
In addition to Northern Ostrobothnia, the regions of Lapland, Kainuu and Central Ostrobothnia and their stakeholders were represented in the ALKE discussion. Preparing for the discussions in cooperation in cooperation with regard to the background material and the planning of the priorities for the discussions was done in close cooperation. Development Director represented the region from the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region Tiina Rajala, Director of Planning Markus Erkkilä Head of Regional Development Laura Kelhä.
Keywords:
county development and financing
