Joint project seeks new solutions for strengthening vitality of eastern Finland

The European Commission has granted funding for a project that seeks solutions to changes brought by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to the operating environment in eastern Finland.

Eight Finnish regions were closely involved in drawing up Finland’s application for project funding. They are Lapland, North Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North Karelia, North Savo, South Savo, South Karelia and Kymenlaakso. 

“The Commission’s decision on funding comes at an excellent time. The project is an integral part of our endeavour to find new initiatives for strengthening the growth and vitality of Finland's eastern border region. The project also supports our efforts to influence the preparations for the next EU regional and structural policy programming period where Finland has highlighted the importance of the EU’s external border regions and their future operating conditions,” says Tiina Korhonen, Director General at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. She chairs the preparation group for the programme for eastern Finland.

Finland started preparing the funding application in conjunction with the visit of European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira to Finland last autumn.

The project aims to find solutions to changes to the operating environment brought by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and to influence the funding for the EU’s forthcoming regional and structural policy programming period.

The project will draw up a common transition strategy for eastern Finland and individual strategies for the regions. The preparation of the project plan has begun, and the work on the plan will continue together with the regions. The funding will be provided via the European Commission’s Technical Support Instrument. 

The preparation of the transition strategy is linked to the programmes for northern and eastern Finland launched by the Government. The aim of the programmes is for the regions to fully exploit their potential in terms of economic growth, regional vitality, investments, competence development and the availability of labour.

Inquiries:
Tiina Korhonen, Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 138 (programme for eastern Finland)
Anni Salmi, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7228 (questions about the project)