29.03.2025
Messages from Northern Finland taken to EU budget tables
The Northern delegation in Brussels included Outi Rouru, Kari Aalto, Johanna Bluemink, Ari Alatossava, Anna-Sofia Heikkinen, Arto Manninen, Anne Rännäli-Kontturi, Jussi Rämet, Claes Krüger and Markus Erkkilä. Photo by Hanna Honkamäkilä.
The preparation of the EU's long-term budget for 2028-2034 is underway, and the lobbyists in the region want to ensure that the needs of Northern Finland are taken into account at the very beginning of the preparation. The current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of EUR 1 200 billion is in place until 2027. Region Mayor Jussi Rämet, Mayor of Oulu Ari Alatossava the Rector of the University of Oulu Arto Manninen This week, they travelled to Brussels for a round of influencing.
The programme included meetings in cooperation with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional Development, the Directorate-General for Internal Market and Industry, Finnish MEPs and the Commissioner, among others. Hanna Virkkunen in cooperation with the cabinet.
"The Commission's objective is to make the budget simpler, more flexible and more effective. This objective must be supported, but at the same time the regions must be empowered. Cohesion policy is vital for Northern Finland – if Finland receives only one funding envelope, it must be ensured that the needs of Eastern and Northern Finland are taken into account. The special status of sparsely populated areas must be safeguarded so that Finland as a whole can develop in a balanced way", says Jussi Rämet, Regional Director.
Developing the EU's competitiveness benefits the whole of Northern Finland
The political priorities of the new Commission will focus, inter alia, on defence, competitiveness and social justice. In particular, the region will follow the presentation by the Commission of: the Compass for Competitiveness, in cooperation with innovation, green transition and security at its core – all themes that are also central to Northern Ostrobothnia’s contribution to the EU.
“EU funding is crucial for R&D. In particular, the development of wireless technology and state-of-the-art technologies suitable for defence in Oulu supports the competitiveness and technological sovereignty of Europe as a whole. Oulu is a forerunner in 6G development and we want the EU to continue to invest in research and innovation," says Rector Arto Manninen.
In Northern Ostrobothnia and even Oulu, more investment is made in research, development and innovation than anywhere else in Finland – more than EUR 3,515 per inhabitant, which is more than 1.5 times as much as in the Helsinki region, for example.
Well-functioning TEN-T main transport networks are in the interest of Europe as a whole
EU funding related to transport networks was also raised during the meetings. A separate EU-level financial instrument is also to be ensured for the future financing period. Particularly important in the Bothnian Arc is the extension of the European gauge to Oulu and Raahe, as well as the development of rail connections to the Atlantic.
"in cooperation without strong EU funding, the development of the TEN-T transport networks will not progress – it is an investment that will strengthen the resilience of Europe as a whole. Finland's position as the external border of the EU and NATO makes transport investments a common strategic issue for the whole of Europe. We need well-functioning transport networks, especially to accelerate green transition projects," says Mayor Ari Alatossava.
Collaboration for the whole of Northern Finland
Advocacy has been carried out by the Regional Assembly, the University and the City and in cooperation for several years – during Orpo’s reign, especially in the preparation of the Northern Agenda. Investing in Northern Finland's expertise and attracting international talent has been a central theme in advocacy also nationally, and the same message is now being exported internationally.
"The development of skills and the attraction of talent are prerequisites for the opportunities of the North to bring genuine competitiveness to Europe," Alatossava points out.
In advocacy, the region speaks in cooperation with one voice. Although each organization presents its own point of view, the goal is common: ensure that the voice of Northern Finland is heard in the preparation of the next EU funding period.
