Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman will attend the European Commission’s Cohesion Forum in Brussels on 11–12 April 2024. The 9th Cohesion Forum will discuss the importance of the European Union’s cohesion policy for the wellbeing of regions and their inhabitants.

The economic and employment situation in the regions has deteriorated and near-term expectations in many regions are more negative than before. However, the depressed economic trend is expected to be short-lived, with the outlook for the autumn of next year already looking brighter. This data comes from the publication Regional Development Prospects for autumn 2023, the results of which were presented at the Aluekehittämispäivät event in Lahti on 23 November.

The Government will strengthen urban policy by forming a strategic alliance with Finland’s largest cities. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will chair the alliance while Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen will act as vice-chair.

There are major differences between regions, sectors and companies concerning future expectations. Some regions anticipate a slowdown in growth, but others already see positive signs emerging in the future. These are the conclusions from the recently published Regional Development Prospects.

The measures taken in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will support economic growth that is socially, economically and ecologically sustainable. The key objectives include ensuring a predictable investment environment, promoting productivity growth and full use of available labour, supporting clean technology investments and improving energy self-sufficiency.