11.02.2026
Rail Nordica and geopolitics as topics at the MPs' meeting
Yesterday and today, MPs from Northern Finland gathered for a meeting of MPs organised jointly by the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region and the City of Oulu. The discussion focused on the effects of the geopolitical situation on logistics projects in the north, and in particular the Rail Nordica project.
The interest of all participants in promoting northern transport projects reflects the fact that the issue is indeed common, regardless of the party position. However, Rail Nordica is not just a transport project, but a strategic solution to the changed security environment.
Oulu is the node of the TEN-T core network and the logistics centre of the north. Industry's billion-dollar investments need well-functioning and secure pathways to the world. Rail Nordica combines the security, economy and international accessibility of the north and Finland as a whole.
Safety and security of supply
The geopolitical shock has permanently changed Finland's position. If traffic in the Baltic Sea is disrupted, we need functional alternative connections to the west. Rail Nordica strengthens connections through Sweden and Norway and supports both foreign trade and military mobility. A common European track gauge allows dual use: Trade and defence are on the same tracks.
The EU funding window is now open
In the next EU funding period, funding for military mobility will increase significantly, in cooperation with a focus on cross-border links. Rail Nordica is a project strongly in line in cooperation with the EU strategy, in cooperation with the possibility of up to 50 % financing. But this requires planning decisions to be made in time for this government term.
A realistic and feasible solution
Many major infrastructure visions aim for the 2050s and cost tens of billions. Rail Nordica (Haaparanta-Oulu and Rovaniemi connection) is a package of approximately EUR 1.5 billion that can be realised already this decade. The extension of the planning to the Kemi-Oulu-Rovaniemi route (EUR 40-50 million) is a concrete next step.
