ERDF programme for Eastern Finland

The major region of Eastern Finland covers the regions of South Savo, North Savo, Kainuu, and North Karelia. The programme receives EUR 731 million in public financing. (The EU’s contribution is EUR 366 million.)

Eastern Finland is a sparsely populated area; the average population density is as low as 7.8 persons/km2.

Eastern Finland, which is a previous Objective 1 area, receives financing for the transitional period and special support because of its sparse population. Eastern Finland will receive 32% of the financing allocated to Finland from the Structural Funds. The objective of the programme is to create a pleasant living environment and develop the competitiveness of enterprises in Eastern Finland. Support is particularly directed at the establishment of enterprises, young entrepreneurs, internationalisation, the productisation of knowledge into innovative activity, and the growth of strong clusters.