My Oulu: Regional leaders join forces in Brussels ahead of EU budget talks

The current €1.2 trillion multiannual financial framework is valid until 2027. Last week, Oulu Mayor Ari Alatossava, University of Oulu Rector Arto Maaninen, and Regional Mayor of the Oulu Region Jussi Rämet travelled to Brussels for an intensive round of advocacy.

Their schedule included meetings with, among others, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Finnish Members of the European Parliament, and the cabinet of Commissioner Henna Virkkunen.

”The Commission’s goal is to make the budget simpler, more flexible, and more impactful. This is a commendable aim, but at the same time, we must ensure the regions retain their ability to influence. Cohesion policy is vital for Northern Finland – if Finland receives only one national funding package for cohesion, we must ensure that the needs of Eastern and Northern Finland are addressed. The special status of sparsely populated areas must be safeguarded so that all of Finland can develop in a balanced way”, emphasizes Regional Mayor Jussi Rämet.

The new Commission’s political priorities include defence and security, sustainable prosperity, and social justice. In Oulu, particular attention is being paid to the Commission’s proposed Competitiveness Compass, which focuses on innovation, the green transition, and security – all of which are key themes in Oulu’s EU advocacy.

“EU funding is crucial for research, development and innovation. Developing wireless technology and high-end technologies applicable to defence in Oulu supports Europe’s overall competitiveness and technological sovereignty. Oulu is a pioneer in 6G development, and we want the EU to continue investing in research and innovation”, says Rector Arto Maaninen.

Oulu invests more in research, development, and innovation activities than anywhere else in Finland – over €3,515 per capita, which is more than 1.5 times the amount invested in the Helsinki region.

EU funding for transportation networks was also on the agenda during the meetings. The aim is to secure a dedicated EU-level funding instrument for the next financial period as well. In the Bothnian Arc region, special emphasis is placed on extending European standard gauge railways all the way to Oulu and developing rail connections to the Atlantic.

“Without strong EU funding, the development of TEN-T transport networks will not progress – these are investments that strengthen Europe’s overall crisis resilience. Finland’s position as the EU and NATO’s external border makes transport investments a strategic issue for all of Europe. We need functional transport networks, especially to accelerate green transition projects”, says Mayor Ari Alatossava.

During the meetings, the mayor also highlighted the key role cities play in Europe’s green transition. In addition to transport networks, sustainable urban planning is needed.

“Northern Finland is rapidly advancing in the hydrogen economy and green energy production. In the EU budget negotiations, we want to ensure the necessary resources for investments in sustainable city infrastructure, which also boost competitiveness and create new export opportunities for businesses”, Alatossava notes.

In Oulu, advocacy efforts have been conducted jointly by the university, the city, and the regional council for several years – especially during the preparation of the joint Northern Agenda. Investing in Northern Finland’s expertise and attracting international talent has been a central theme of advocacy efforts nationally, and the same message is now being conveyed internationally.

“Developing expertise and attracting talent are essential if Northern opportunities are to truly strengthen Europe’s competitiveness”, Alatossava emphasizes.

In its advocacy efforts, Oulu speaks with one voice. While each organization brings its own perspective, the goal is the same: to ensure that Northern Finland’s voice is heard in the preparation of the EU’s next financial framework.