The European Commission has published a comprehensive set of measures to support the Union's eastern border regions. ResilEast is mentioned in the communication as an example of a project that can strengthen resilience, security, and the vitality of the eastern regions.
The eastern border regions are critical to the security of Europe as a whole. The Commission recognizes the threats and difficult economic situation facing these border regions. The Commission is responding to hybrid and security threats, instrumentalization, and disruption of trade in the regions with a number of initiatives. The three main priorities of the communication are security and resilience, growth and regional prosperity, and building on local strengths.
In its communication, the Commission wants to turn the vulnerabilities of these regions into strategic assets. Despite numerous challenges, the eastern border regions are seen as having significant growth potential. As gatekeepers of the EU's eastern border, the border regions can serve as a platform for critical logistics and defense infrastructure, while also capitalizing on their natural resources and skilled workforce.
The forestry sector and bioeconomy, bio-based carbon dioxide capture, and the potential for developing innovative bio-based products such as fuels and materials are mentioned separately in the communication. The Commission's communication also emphasizes the importance of energy self-sufficiency as part of overall security and crisis resilience. The Commission intends to strengthen energy security by increasing the resilience of electricity grids, creating strategic fuel stocks, and promoting renewable energy projects.
The ResilEast program offers a solution to these Commission objectives by leveraging the wind power and energy processing potential of eastern Finland. Wind power can be developed in a way that enhances security by using new radar and shielding construction technology to support dual-use solutions. Wind power also enables the production of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives for export. In addition, the numerous forest industry production facilities in eastern Finland create excellent conditions for the capture of bio-based carbon dioxide emissions. The Commission's communication also calls for cooperation between universities and colleges, businesses and citizens, as well as between regional actors.
ResilEast is an energy program that enhances Finland's overall security and supports national defense. If implemented, it could create tens of thousands of jobs in eastern Finland over the coming decades. It is therefore important that the more comprehensive ResilEast approach supported by the Commission in its communication be incorporated into the growth plans of the provinces of eastern Finland. An energy program that transcends provincial boundaries can improve the vitality and security of eastern Finland. The €28 billion EastInvest loan instrument to be established for financing is a welcome initiative. If implemented, the ResilEast program will create excellent conditions for loan repayment.
For more information:
Managing Director Jami Holtari, Finnish Hydrogen Valley Association, +358 40 055 1435,jami.holtari@vetylaakso.fi
Research Director Petteri Laaksonen, LUT University, +358 40 508 8498,petteri.laaksonen@lut.fi
Managing Director Tomi Haring, Business Joensuu, +358 40 038 0130.tomi.haring@businessjoensuu.fi
