European Neighbourhood Instrument Cross-Border Cooperation (ENI CBC)

Cross-border cooperation supports social and economic development along EU’s external borders, provides a response to joint challenges in such areas as the environment, health and crime and boosts the movement of people, goods and capital. By promoting the sharing of experiences and dissemination of best practices, cross-border cooperation helps to strengthen competitiveness in the border areas, the creation of international networks and economic growth.

Three ENI CBC programmes are currently under way on the border between Finland and Russia: Kolarctic, Karelia and South-East Finland-Russia. The programmes, which will cover the period 2014 – 2020, are a continuation to the programmes implemented between 2007 and 2013.

Even though each ENI CBC programme has its own themes there are also joint priorities: business development, environmental protection, border management and border security. The regions involved are responsible for the content and implementation of the programmes.

ENI CBC programmes Link to an external websiteOpens in a new tabare co-financed and based on equal partnership. Half of the financing for the programmes along the border between Finland and Russia comes from the EU, while the remaining 50 per cent is provided by the participating countries.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine – impacts on programme implementation

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has changed the operating environment of the ENI CBC programmes on the Finnish-Russian border. 

The European Commission suspended the funding agreements for the programmes, which suspended the implementation of the programmes with Russia. Programmes and their projects will be completed in a controlled manner by EU beneficiaries and programme managing authorities. The programmes will be closed during 2025.

Finland will not participate in the EU's Interreg NEXT external border cooperation programmes during the period 2021-2027.

For more information about ENI CBC programmes, go to structuralfunds.fi Link to an external websiteOpens in a new taband the websites of the individual programmes.

Further information:  petri.haapalainen(at)gov.fi