Programming period 2007-2013

Finland’s development is a shared goal for Finns. It is in everyone’s interests that the best development ideas are also implemented – either without external assistance or in cooperation with others. Ideas can become reality with support from the European Union (EU). EU resources provide leverage that help Finns turn their ideas into practical development projects.

The State and municipalities support regional development. Funding from the European Union provides additional support to the development of Finnish regions. Finland receives support from the EU through two Structural Funds: the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. In addition to EU programmes, Finland also runs national development programmes. Additional information on all programmes designed for the development of Finland can be obtained from the financiers of the programmes. The contact information on the main financiers is given at the end of this leaflet.

Financing for seven years

The third programming period of the Structural Funds started in 2007 and will end in 2013. Financing has been allocated separately for each year.  Information on the different financing opportunities for projects can be obtained from the Employment and Economic Development Centre, the Regional Council, the State Provincial Office, the Environment Centre and the Road District of your area. These financiers announce the call for proposals for financing both on their own web sites, and in national and regional newspapers. They will also provide information on application deadlines and procedures.