The Government has decided to grant Kymenlaakso a total of EUR 6 million to mitigate the impact of sudden structural change. The region is looking for new growth in the battery and food sectors, in particular. In all, the development package for Kymenlaakso amounts to ca. EUR 9 million.

The Urban Policy Committee aims to strengthen the partnership and dialogue between the central government, cities and urban regions. Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen chairs the Committee.

As part of the strong urban policy package, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will launch the preparation of thematic agreements with cities. Preparation will begin with a survey that will be sent to cities to assess their readiness and needs for thematic agreements.

In a report commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, likely future outlooks for regional development in Finland have been examined through four different scenarios. According to these scenarios which extend to 2040, regional development may be globally selective, concentrated on raw materials and tourism, patchwork-like or balanced.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will be accepting applications for EUR 4 million for guidance and counselling services for immigrants. The objective of this grant is to enhance the integration and employment of immigrants by developing guidance and counselling services and the related multi-sectoral cooperation. The application period will be open from 18 May to 18 June 2020.