Government decides on EU regional and structural policy reform for 2028–2034 as part of Partnership Fund

On 11 December 2025, the Government submitted to Parliament a Union communication concerning the European Commission’s proposed regulations on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). The proposals are part of the Commission’s proposal for a new multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034.

The Government already decided on the Partnership Fund (NRPP Regulation) and effectiveness (U53/2025 vp) on 20 November 2025. The proposals on the ERDF and ESF complement the content of the Partnership Fund and detail the specific conditions.

Regional development measures to continue to safeguard development of rural and urban areas

The Government considers that the alternatives offered by the proposed Partnership Fund regulation on regional development are justified and emphasises, in particular, the promotion of competitiveness, employment, skills and vitality in cohesion policy.

The Government stresses the important role cities play in strengthening competitiveness and regional dynamism. The aim is to safeguard both sustainable urban development and rural and regional development measures by leveraging synergies.

The Government mainly supports the Commission’s proposals for supplementary regulation of the ERDF, Cohesion Fund and ESF. The allocation of funding must comply with the purpose of the Funds in accordance with their legal basis as proposed by the Commission.

Sustainable urban development must continue to be founded on integrated strategies, where the main goal is to increase competitiveness and dynamism, for example through cooperation between cities.

In the Government’s opinion, it is not appropriate to support all the specific objectives proposed by the Commission with regard to the European Social Fund. EU Member States need to be able to create partnership plans based on their key needs and resources.

The Government supports the Commission’s proposal to continue European territorial cooperation similar to the current Interreg programme. The Commission’s plan would cover cross-border, transnational, interregional and outermost regions’ cooperation. The Government emphasises the significance of Interreg especially in the Arctic and Baltic Sea areas due to their increased strategic importance that contributes to Europe’s comprehensive security.

EU debates proposed regulations now with national preparation to begin in Finland in spring 2026

Consideration of the proposals has begun in the Council of the European Union, and the final content of the regulations will be formulated in negotiations between the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. As per the Commission’s proposal, the new funding period will begin in 2028. Meanwhile, the preparation of the national and regional partnership plan between the Government and the regions will start in spring 2026.

Inquiries:
Lotta Laitinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 295 049 058 (questions to the Minister) 
Johanna Osenius, Director of Regional Development, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 064 937

The Ministry’s email addresses are in the format [email protected]