Programme for northern Finland

The vitality of northern Finland is becoming more and more important for Finland and the Nordic region as a whole. The goal of the programme for northern Finland is to make better use of the opportunities the region has to offer. The work will take into account economic growth, regional vitality, investments, competence development and the availability of skilled labour.

A key objective of the programme for northern Finland is to improve Finland’s self-sufficiency and security of supply in the changed security environment. The work will pay particular attention to the new geopolitical situation and routes to the west, and will help to strengthen security as part of Nordic, EU and NATO cooperation.

The programme for northern Finland consists of concrete measures to:

• increase opportunities for sustainable growth and new investments and strengthen Finland's competitiveness and regional vitality
• harness the opportunities of clean energy sustainably and support clean digital growth
• make the region a more attractive destination for sustainable tourism
• develop competence and improve the availability of skilled labour
• strengthen the security, self-sufficiency and security of supply of Finland as a whole, and
• improve the physical and digital accessibility of the region.

An important priority of the programme is to intensify cooperation with Sweden and Norway. The preparation and implementation of the programme will place particular emphasis on cooperation between the business sector, cities, regions, higher education institutions, research institutes and the state.

The programme will run until the end of the Government’s term, although some of the measures will also be implemented over the following parliamentary terms.

Programmes for northern and eastern Finland

The Government launched the programmes for northern and eastern Finland in spring 2024. The two programmes are being prepared and implemented concurrently.

A preparation group and advisory board have been appointed to oversee the programme for northern Finland. The preparation group consists of representatives from the regions of Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland and North Ostrobothnia and from several different ministries. The programme for northern Finland is being led by the Prime Minister’s Office and the programme for eastern Finland is being led by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. A joint secretariat has been appointed to support the preparation of both programmes.