30.04.2026
The Finnish government must return NSPA funding to EU financing negotiations
The Finnish Government must ensure that the return of NSPA funding for northern sparsely populated areas and full consideration of the specificities of the northern sparsely populated areas are binding starting points for Finland's EU negotiating position and national programme preparation. The legal basis for NSPA special funding has been identified in Finland's Accession Treaty, the Treaty and the current government's own position on the EU.
A weakening of NSPA funding would mean a direct and permanent cut in Finland's EU funding allocation. This would weaken Finland's net payment position, make it more difficult to invest in regional growth and security of supply, and weaken Finland's ability to meet its own and the EU's common security objectives. The decisions for the next financial period will be made now.
Eastern and Northern Finland produces a significant share of the EU's raw materials and clean energy
The vitality, regional competitiveness, competence, overall security and sustainable growth provided by Eastern and Northern Finland are a necessary prerequisite for Finland and the EU as a whole. Eastern and Northern Finland produces a significant share of the EU's raw materials and clean energy. Regional and structural policy programmes help counties to develop. At the same time, they support the EU's common internal market.
The Advisory Board for Eastern and Northern Finland met in Helsinki on 29 April 2026. Cooperation between Eastern and Northern Finland includes South Savo, Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland, North Karelia, North Ostrobothnia and North Savo.
Statement by Eastern and Northern Finland
Further information:
Hannu Takkula, Regional Director, Hannu.takkula@lapinliitto.fi, tel. +358 400 203 300
Jussi Rämet, Regional Director, jussi.ramet@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi, tel. +358 40 586 3877
Kari Aalto, Director, Eastern and Northern Finland EU Office, kari.aalto@eastnorth.fi, tel. +358 40 773 8888
Hanna Honkamäkilä, Secretary General, Programme Preparation for Eastern and Northern Finland, hanna.honkamakila@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi, tel. +358 40 685 4040
