In July, the European Commission presented its proposal for the Union's multiannual budget (MFF), which is important for Member States and regions as it sets out the main EU policy priorities and financial framework for the whole programming period 2028-2034.
The Union of South Karelia submits the following as its MFF position:
Connecting Europe - financing solutions for logistics and energy issues in the export industry
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) proposes a substantial investment in both energy and transport for the period 2028-2034. CEF-funded energy networks have been built in the traditional cohesion countries. The South Karelia Regional Council proposes that in future Finland should push for CEF funding for energy network investments in eastern Finland for the construction of the so-called "400 kV danger line" from South Karelia to Kainuu.
The ResilEast initiative is an example of an investment that combines both the Union's objectives of increasing renewable energy and overall security. ResilEast aims to accelerate the production of renewable energy while supporting defence and regional economic resilience. In connection with the ResilEast programme, the South Karelia Regional Council emphasises the need for EU funding for radar technology and other dual-use infrastructure in eastern Finland that will enable additional construction of renewable energy.
Eastern border regions to be taken into account in agricultural and cohesion funding
The budget proposes a significant cut in cohesion funding from the current funding programming period 2021-2027. According to the Commission's proposal, Finland's agricultural and cohesion funding would decrease by an estimated 10-15%.
The Commission stresses that Member States must target agricultural fund support to those who need it most, including by promoting food security. The South Karelia Union believes that farmers in the eastern border regions should be among those in particular need of support, both in terms of food security and overall security. The continuation and future of agricultural production in the eastern border regions must be ensured and taken into account in agricultural policy guidelines.
Better use of growing Interreg funding in South-East Finland than in the current programming period
Finland's funding for Interreg programmes is increasing, according to the Commission's proposal. It should be noted that the base figure, which is expected to increase, also includes the funds initially allocated to the Russia cooperation programmes and transferred to Interreg.
The South Karelia Regional Council stresses that in the next programming period Interreg funding should better meet the development needs of the eastern border regions affected by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This need has been included in the Commission's proposal for the regulation of Interreg programmes, but a method of implementation must be found in the next few years. The ESPON CHANEBO research project has identified the launch of a new Interreg programme to support regional development and resilience in the eastern border regions as a solution.
Internal Security Fund to be used extensively for the vitality of the eastern border regions
The South Karelia Regional Council thanks the Government for its lobbying work regarding the possible increase in funding for border security, immigration and internal security. According to the Commission's proposal, Finland's allocation is set to increase from €0.6 billion to €1.6 billion.
As members of the Council of Ministers and also Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have said in public, this money must be used not only for tough security but also for investments that boost the vitality of the regions. In the south-eastern border region, for example, there is a great need for development in the area of telecommunications links. The construction of a fibre-optic network would also support the operating conditions of the border authorities.
Read the full statement: statement by the South Karelia Union
