The European Committee of the Regions is an advisory body involved in EU decision-making. Its main task is to highlight the views of municipalities and regions in the Member States when drafting EU legislation. The Committee delivers opinions to the Commission, the Council and the Parliament on a wide range of EU legislation, including employment, social affairs, health and the environment, digitalisation and regional policy. Recently, Baltic Sea issues have also been highlighted.
Northern Ostrobothnia is represented in the Committee of the Regions during the current term. Chairman of Oulu City Board Mirja Vehkaperä (Centre) started work at the European Committee of the Regions in February 2020.
Mr Vehkaperä was elected to the Commission responsible for Territorial Cohesion Policy and the EU Budget (COTER) and to the Commission responsible for Natural Resources (NAT).
The Committee of the Regions has a total of 329 representatives, of whom the Finnish delegation consists of nine members representing municipalities and provinces. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Council of Ministers. The proposal for Finland's representatives is made by the Government. Members were elected for a five-year term of office from 2020 to 2025.
More information
Listen to Mirja Vehkaperä's thoughts on the 30th anniversary of the Interreg programme in the video below. Interview was conducted on 30 September 2020
Listen to Satu Haapanen's interview in connection with the Interreg programme's 30-year cooperation. The interview was conducted on 30 September 2020. Haapanen has given up his seat on the Committee of the Regions after moving to work outside Europe.
