ERDF programme for Northern Finland

The programme area of Northern Finland covers the regions of Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland, and North Ostrobothnia. The programme receives EUR 623 million in public financing. (The EU’s contribution is EUR 311 million.)

The area of Northern Finland accounts for 44% of the area of Finland, but its population density is as low as approximately 4.7 persons/km2.

In Northern Finland, it is particularly important to improve accessibility and the attractiveness of areas and to promote the growth and competitiveness of enterprises. Related projects are supported from the Regional Development Fund to ensure that Northern Finland will be better able to respond to the restructuring of industries and manage the future change in population structure and the regional differentiation of population. It is also important to strengthen the major region’s position in international and national competition, in particular with innovations.