Regional Council of Southwest Finland – together for the benefit of the region
Our mission is regional development, planning, and advocacy in cooperation with the region’s municipalities, higher education institutions, business sector, and organizations. We work to ensure that Southwest Finland is a good place to live, study, work, do business, pursue hobbies, and enjoy life. We carry out this mission sustainably, caring for one another as well as the environment and climate.
The Regional Council of Southwest Finland is a joint municipal authority serving Finland’s third-largest region. Our area consists of five sub-regions and 27 municipalities with a population of approximately 480,000 people. We are responsible for the regional plan, regional land use planning, and marine spatial planning in accordance with the Land Use and Building Act, as well as for the general development of the region and regional advocacy in accordance with regional development legislation.
Our core functions include:
- ensuring the general development of the region and particularly the development of business operating conditions in cooperation with state authorities and other stakeholders
- participating in the preparation and implementation of national structural fund program proposals together with other regional actors and central government
- promoting sub-regional and other cooperation between municipalities as well as inter-regional cooperation, and cooperation with key stakeholders for regional development
- managing international affairs and relations related to our functions
- initiating the planning processes for the regional transport system plan and regional, comprehensive plans concerning natural resources and the environment, leading the related cooperation, and coordinating such planning with other regional planning
other functions prescribed by law
We have a great team of professionals from various fields working at the council. Currently, we have approximately 80 employees. Our core operations, funded by municipal contributions, are divided into four responsibility areas: regional development, advocacy and municipal services, land use and environment, and shared functions and administration. We currently have approximately 30 employees working in these functions.
In addition, we carry out assigned tasks through separately funded Valonia, Lounaistieto, Turku and Southwest Finland Europe Office, and numerous projects. We also serve as the managing authority and main location of the secretariat for the Central Baltic Interreg program.
Regional development enhances the region’s self-reliant and balanced development and strengthens Southwest Finland’s competitiveness. The work is based on the region’s strengths, such as expertise, strengthening business and employment, and sustainable development. The goal is for Southwest Finland to develop as a vibrant region with good conditions for living, entrepreneurship, and the emergence of new innovations.
International cooperation is an important part of our work. By actively participating in networks, we increase awareness of Southwest Finland and strengthen the region’s role as a key player in the Baltic Sea region.
We carry out regional development work in close cooperation with member municipalities, state regional administrative authorities, the business sector, and other regional actors. Our tools include EU structural policy programs and separate state budget appropriations.
Regional development is visible in Southwest Finland in many ways: it means functional infrastructure, strong business activity, skilled workforce, and vibrant municipalities. Through cooperation, we ensure that regional development benefits residents, businesses, and the entire regional economy now and in the future.
Regional advocacy ensures that Southwest Finland’s voice is heard in decision-making both nationally and internationally. A central function of our work is to defend the region’s interests, highlight its needs, and strengthen its position in national and European networks. The goal is for Southwest Finland to succeed in the competition for resources, projects, and investments – and for decision-making to support the region’s sustainable growth.
We work in close cooperation with the region’s municipalities and support cooperation between them. Through municipal services, we assist municipalities in matters related to advocacy, development, and preparation. Through cooperation, we build a shared vision for the region’s future and influence the consideration of Southwest Finland’s development conditions at all levels of government.
Advocacy also involves communication and influence. We convey up-to-date information about regional development and decision-making, and strengthen modern regional identity and culture together with other actors. Our goal is for Southwest Finland to be known as an active, responsible, and forward-looking region whose strengths are visible in decision-making and cooperation throughout Finland and the Baltic Sea region.
Regional planning strengthens the attractiveness of Southwest Finland and supports balanced regional development in accordance with the Land Use and Building Act, taking environmental responsibility into account. Planning reconciles municipal development needs with national objectives to ensure that the region’s specific characteristics, strengths, and vitality develop in a consistent way. It creates the conditions for a good living and operating environment and a high quality of life across the region.
The Regional Plan defines the long-term development and spatial structure objectives of Southwest Finland. Regional land use planning translates these strategic guidelines into concrete land use solutions that guide municipal planning and other development. Transport system planning improves the conditions for mobility and accessibility, while maritime spatial planning creates a framework for the sustainable use of marine areas and for safeguarding the good status of the marine environment.
Regional planning has a direct impact on everyday life: how we move, live, and use our surroundings. It lays the foundation for sustainable solutions that support both growth and the preservation of biodiversity. Through planning, we are building a Southwest Finland that works well today and meets the needs of the future.
Administration and shared functions
Administration is responsible for the smooth operation of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland and ensures that the office’s work is efficient, transparent, and well-managed. We handle administrative and human resources services, finance, accounting, ICT services, records management, and procurement. Our work also includes preparing meetings of the regional board and council: compiling agendas and minutes, implementing decisions, and monitoring them.
Administration is responsible for planning, monitoring, and reporting related to the council’s finances. Through careful financial planning and transparent monitoring, we ensure that the council’s resources are used responsibly and for the benefit of the region. We also develop internal processes, digital tools, and information security to ensure that work is up-to-date and efficient.
Administrative operations are visible in practice through smooth services, reliable decision-making, and stable finances. When the foundation is solid, other work – regional development, advocacy, and planning – can proceed with quality and effectiveness. Well-functioning administration is the common backbone and support for the entire Regional Council of Southwest Finland.
Part of us
Lounaistieto is a regional information service coordinated by the Regional Council of Southwest Finland that brings together statistics, maps, spatial data, and open data concerning the region. The service provides reliable and up-to-date information to support decision-making, planning, research, and development.
Lounaistieto enables monitoring of regional development from the perspectives of population, employment, environment, and industries. The service supports the work of municipalities, authorities, businesses, and communities by providing information that can be utilized in areas such as planning, climate work, service planning, and regional development assessment.
Valonia is the expert organization for sustainable development and energy matters for the municipalities of Southwest Finland. It supports municipalities, businesses, and residents in building a sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-smart region. Valonia provides training, advice, and develops operating models in cooperation with various actors.
The operations are based on extensive project work and partnerships that seek practical solutions to sustainable development goals. Municipalities participate in the operations with a funding contribution based on population, and most of the operations are funded through projects.
The Regional Council of Southwest Finland and the City of Turku have a joint advocacy office in Brussels that serves as the region’s voice in the European Union. The operations promote the interests of Southwest Finland and Turku in EU decision-making, support regional actors in European cooperation, and convey information about funding opportunities.
The Europe Office helps municipalities, businesses, and higher education institutions find partners and funding for EU projects. Through it, Southwest Finland participates where Europe’s future is being built.
The Regional Council of Southwest Finland is responsible for administering the European Union’s Central Baltic Interreg program. The program funds cross-border cooperation projects in Finland, Åland, Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia. Projects develop expertise, support business growth, improve environmental conditions, and strengthen connections between Baltic Sea region countries.
The council serves as the program’s managing, certifying, and audit authority, meaning it is responsible for funding decisions, project monitoring, and supervision of fund use. The work strengthens the region’s position in international cooperation and supports sustainable development throughout the Baltic Sea region.
Regional Council of Southwest Finland reporting channel
The Regional Council of Southwest Finland has a reporting channel through which you can report irresponsible or unethical conduct safely and confidentially. The channel is intended for situations where you have a justified suspicion of misconduct, violations, or actions contrary to guidelines.
You can submit a report anonymously or in your own name. All reports are handled securely and confidentially. The channel is maintained by an external, independent party that ensures your identity remains confidential.
