Advocacy Objectives
The advocacy objectives of Southwest Finland are linked to the current government programme and its policies, as well as EU-level decision-making guidelines. Advocacy identifies key issues for Southwest Finland and influences their consideration in decision-making, legislation, and funding solutions. This work is carried out in close cooperation with municipalities, members of parliament, and other regional stakeholders.
The Archipelago Sea is the most degraded marine area on Finland’s coast, where eutrophication has not yet been successfully halted. Poor water quality manifests in summer as cyanobacterial blooms and deteriorated marine ecosystems. The Archipelago Sea Programme, launched in 2021 and continuing during the Orpo government term, aims to reduce nutrient loading and achieve permanent improvement in the sea’s condition.
Key measures of the programme include nutrient cycling pilot areas in the Aura River and Paimionjoki River catchment areas and in Kimitoön, and the introduction of technology-neutral nutrient cycling support. The objective is for the Archipelago Sea to be removed from the Helsinki Commission’s list of worst polluters by 2027.
Since 70–80% of nutrient loading originates from agriculture, solutions are largely found in the fields. Through reform of agricultural support policy, environmental measures can be targeted to areas where impacts are greatest. By promoting agricultural nutrient cycling, manure utilization, and soil improvement methods, we can together restore the vitality of the Archipelago Sea – and secure the future of marine ecosystems.
The growth and accessibility of Southwest Finland require a smooth and safe transport network. The development of rail transport supports regional vitality, sustainable mobility, and the growth of the entire Southern Finland region. The Western Railway, a fast train connection between Turku and Helsinki, will unite the cities into a single commuting area of 1.5 million people. The shortcut line and the Turku–Salo double track will reduce travel time by approximately half an hour and offer a low-emission alternative to road transport. Planning for the project is progressing through the Western Railway project company, and construction has commenced from both ends. The objective is for a decision on the construction of the second phase of the Western Railway, the Lohja–Salo shortcut line, to be made during the 2027–2031 electoral term.
The regional transport system is complemented by planned local train services, which will connect Turku, Salo, Loimaa, and Uusikaupunki into a unified commuting area. Together, through the Western Railway and local trains, a sustainable, smooth, and attractive Southwest Finland is being built – as part of Finland’s entire growth and accessibility network.
Transport – Road Network and Archipelago Connections
Southwest Finland has several important road projects whose implementation would improve traffic flow, safety, and sustainability. The E18 Turku Ring Road is one of Finland’s most important routes, and its Raisio city center tunnel has progressed to the construction phase. The four-lane expansion of the Naantali–Raisio section is also advancing towards construction. The Laitila interchange on Highway 8 and the Lieto–Aura four-lane expansion on Highway 9 are ready to commence as soon as funding is secured.
Archipelago transport accessibility is vital for the region’s settlement and business sector – following the renewal of the Kirjalansalmi and Hessundinsalmi bridges, construction of the Paraistenväylä route commenced in 2026. The eastern Salo bypass will improve traffic flow and enhance connections to areas central to business activities. Together, these projects strengthen the transport system of Southwest Finland and support the growth and security of supply for all of Finland.
Southwest Finland is one of Finland’s strongest export and innovation hubs. The region’s objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of current leading sectors and create new growth opportunities through research, investments, and business ecosystems.
The pharmaceutical industry and health technology constitute one of the region’s long-standing strengths. The majority of Finland’s pharmaceutical exports originate from Southwest Finland, and the region hosts an internationally recognized research and business network. The objective is to support the further development of this expertise hub and promote the transfer of research results into commercial innovations.
The maritime industry is another key driver of export-led growth in Southwest Finland. The extensive industrial cluster built around the Turku shipyard creates employment and investments throughout the region. The objective is to support the sector’s green transformation and strengthen the operating conditions for domestic production.
The green transition permeates all aspects of the region’s economic policy. Southwest Finland aims for pioneering status in the circular economy and bio- and hydrogen economy. A central part of the region’s objectives are investments in infrastructure, such as the electricity grid. These strengthen security of supply, reduce emissions, and create new export potential.
The vitality of Southwest Finland is built on skilled people. Positive structural change and growing investments, particularly in the technology, maritime, and pharmaceutical industries, are increasing companies’ need for skilled professionals. Simultaneously, retirement, declining age cohorts, and labor market matching challenges are intensifying competition for talent.
The objective of Southwest Finland is to ensure that job seeker services, companies’ recruitment needs, educational opportunities, and career paths are seamlessly connected. The region aims for sufficient educational places, flexible study paths, and deeper cooperation between higher education institutions and companies.
Attracting and retaining international talent in the region requires a smooth permit process, rapid recognition of qualifications, strengthening of language and integration services, and functional service chains between companies and job seekers.
RDI investments support the region’s labor market more broadly. Varsinais-Suomi aims for growth in research and development investments, which support both new technologies and the renewal of traditional strong sectors.
EU Policy – Cooperation, Funding, and Impact
The European Union’s regional and structural policy provides Southwest Finland with tools for sustainable growth and development. The structural funds (ERDF and ESF) available during the 2021–2027 EU programming period support business sectors, competence, and employment. The national emphasis of funding is increasingly directed towards Eastern and Northern Finland, but Southwest Finland emphasizes more balanced regional allocation and the utilization of growth potential throughout the country. The EU-defined regional aid system places Southern and Western Finland, including Southwest Finland, in a lower support category, which weakens the competitiveness of these regions.
In transport policy, the TEN-T network and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2) provide funding opportunities for the ports of Turku and Naantali, the E18 Ring Road, and the rail connection between Helsinki and Turku.
Through EU policy, Southwest Finland strengthens its position as part of a sustainable, competitive, and interconnected Europe.
