Regional councils receive EUR 4.6 million in EU regional and structural policy funds

On 8 July 2022, the Government decided on the grant authorisations under the Finnish structural funds programme, Sustainable growth and jobs 2014–2020, for 2022 and the last allocation of funds of the programming period 2014–2020 to the intermediary bodies.

The Government allocated a total of approximately EUR 4.3 million from the Sustainable growth and jobs 2014–2020 programme to regional councils, which serve as intermediate bodies in distribution of the REACT-EU funding. At the same time, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment distributed 250,000 euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to the Regional Councils of North Karelia and South Savo. The funding will focus on projects promoting RDI activities and the low-carbon economy in areas where employment and economic growth have particularly suffered from the coronavirus pandemic. 

The allocation of funds for the current programming period concerns the REACT-EU additional funding and the re-budgeting of grant authorisations released from the REACT-EU projects. This procedure aims to ensure that the regions use the funding of the programming period in full. This funding will largely be allocated to known projects that were previously left unfunded or that did not receive additional funding. The funding of the programming period now ending will be available until the end of 2023.

Processing of project applications for Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 has started 

The EU regional and structural policy programme for 2021–2027 has also begun. Regional councils and ELY Centres are processing a large number of applications for Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 programme projects, which will be funded from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF+). The Innovation and Skills in Finland programme provides funding for research and development activities, SME growth and competitiveness, energy efficiency, climate change adaptation and circular economy. The projects funded by the programme also support employment and education and help prevent social exclusion. 

Inquiries:
Päivi Poikola, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 278