Decision-Making

Assembly of Representatives

The Regional Council of Southwest Finland convenes a meeting of representatives of its member municipalities every four years. The meeting is held as soon as possible after the municipal elections. According to the current basic agreement, each member municipality appoints one representative for every 5,000 inhabitants or part thereof, and the representatives must be municipal councillors.

The primary task of the meeting of representatives is to elect the members and deputy members of the Regional Council Assembly for the municipal election term. This procedure ensures that the political will expressed by voters in municipal elections is reflected in the decision-making of the Regional Council Assembly and the Regional Board. In this respect, the Regional Council differs from all other regional-level organisations.

Further information:
Petra Määttänen, Administrative Director
Sanna Reuna, Administrative Assistant

Regional Board

The Regional Board, which meets monthly, is responsible for the operational leadership of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland. The Board monitors and guides the implementation of the objectives set in the budget and financial plan approved by the Regional Council Assembly, as well as the activities of the Regional Mayor and the Regional Council Office.

In addition, the Board decides on the Council’s actions, statements, and positions based on proposals presented by the Regional Mayor. The Board acts as an advocate for the Regional Council and represents it externally. The Regional Board has 19 members.

Regional Mayor Jyri Arponen serves as the rapporteur to the Regional Board.

Chairmanship:
Ville Valkonen, Chair, National Coalition Party
Saku Nikkanen, 1st Vice Chair, Social Democratic Party
Pekka Kuusisto, 2nd Vice Chair, Centre Party

Regional Board members 2025–2029

Further information:
Petra Määttänen, Administrative Director
Sanna Reuna, Administrative Assistant

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee evaluates and reviews the efficiency of the administration and finances for the financial year. It operates in accordance with its audit plan. The Committee reports its work to the Regional Council Assembly through an evaluation report and an audit report.

Chair:
Markus Ylis-Junttila, Finns Party

Audit Committee members 2025–2029

Further information:

Sanna Reuna, Administrative Assistant

Business Section

The Business Subcommittee is a cooperation and partnership body whose task is to promote and coordinate regional business development activities among different stakeholders.

The responsibilities of the Business Subcommittee include:

1. participating in the implementation of the partnership strategy, particularly in business development measures co-funded nationally and by the EU (including coordination and alignment of project ideas prior to funding calls)
2. preparing policy guidelines for cooperation between the private and public sectors
3. preparing strategic issues related to the region’s business policy
4. advocacy in broad matters related to maintaining and developing the competitiveness of the business sector
5. handling other matters in accordance with the Subcommittee’s discretion and assignments given by the Regional Cooperation Group

Further information:
Petteri Partanen, Business Development Manager

Climate Responsibility Section

The Climate Responsibility Subcommittee serves as an advisory and coordinating preparatory body for matters related to the region’s carbon neutrality target.

Mitigating climate change is a highly demanding task at all levels and can only be achieved through the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders. The Subcommittee develops regional climate policy, actively monitors current climate issues, and strengthens climate action in the region, the green transition, and its role at the national level. The Southwest Finland Climate Roadmap 2030 has been prepared under the guidance of the Climate Responsibility Subcommittee.

The Subcommittee, operating under the Regional Cooperation Group, includes representatives from municipalities, regional administration organisations, businesses, interest groups, as well as the education and research sectors.

Further information:
Riikka Leskinen, Head of Unit (Valonia)

Organization Section

The NGO Subcommittee implements the Southwest Finland Regional Strategy by acting as a cooperation body and advocate for NGOs in the region, as well as the owner of the NGO cooperation roadmap. The Subcommittee brings together civil society organisations in Southwest Finland, strengthens their role in regional development, and promotes shared goals by increasing cooperation and dialogue.

Secretary and further information:
Henna Salminen, Project Coordinator

Education Section

The Education Subcommittee of the Regional Cooperation Group is a key actor in regional cooperation related to skills and education. It prepares, coordinates, and provides guidance particularly on matters concerning upper secondary and higher education in the region.

The Subcommittee addresses current issues related to skills and education, as well as guidance, foresight, and labour market topics. It makes initiatives, for example in advocacy, and organises events and webinars on topical themes, including in cooperation with the Southwest Finland Foresight Academy. The Subcommittee also serves as the steering group for the Foresight Academy.

In addition to education providers, the Subcommittee includes representatives from the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre), the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southwest Finland (AVI), labour market organisations, and businesses.

Further information:
Esa Högblom, Senior Specialist

Rural Section

The Rural Subcommittee is responsible for:

1. participating in the implementation of the partnership strategy, particularly in development measures concerning rural and archipelago areas co-funded nationally and by the EU (including coordination and alignment of project ideas prior to funding applications)
2. planning and coordinating regional development measures for rural and archipelago areas
3. preparing matters related to rural and archipelago issues for consideration by the Regional Cooperation Group
4. preparing, implementing, and monitoring the regional rural development plan and local rural development plans
5. handling amendments to the regional and local rural development plans
6. coordinating regional rural development measures funded by the Rural Development Fund with other regional actions
7. handling regional selection criteria for projects supported under the rural development programme, as well as other regional restrictions related to project selection
8. handling plans and reports on measures financed through the regional allocation of the Rural Development Fund in connection with the preparation of the regional cooperation document
9. handling other matters in accordance with the Subcommittee’s discretion and assignments given by the Regional Cooperation Group

Rapporteur and Secretary:
Sami Heinonen, Archipelago and Rural Affairs Officer

The Regional Planning Subcommittee prepares regional land use plans and other environmental planning matters of the Regional Council. It makes proposals for necessary measures and issues statements on matters related to planning, construction, land use, and environmental issues.

The Subcommittee’s work guides land use in the long term. It supports smooth everyday life, ensures the functionality of services and mobility, and promotes the sustainable growth of the business sector.

Chair:
Aarne Lehtonen, Centre Party

Members of the Regional Planning Subcommittee 2025–2029

Further information:
Kaisa Äijö, Regional Architect

Archipelago Committee

The Archipelago Committee advocates for the interests of the archipelago areas in Southwest Finland. It addresses archipelago-related matters in line with the Archipelago Programme, which complements the Regional Programme. The Committee is responsible for preparing the future strategy for its field, as well as outlining and prioritising development measures and resources. At the start of each new term, the Committee aligns its work with the regional strategy and regional programme.

The Committee’s work ensures that the specific characteristics of archipelago areas are taken into account in decision-making. It supports smooth everyday life, the operating conditions of businesses, accessibility of transport and services, and the sustainable use of the natural and cultural environment.

Chair:
Tomy Wass, Left Alliance

Members of the Archipelago Committee 2025–2029

Rapporteur and Secretary:
Sami Heinonen, Archipelago and Rural Affairs Officer

Culture Committee

The Cultural Committee is responsible for advocating for art and culture in the region at the national level. It strengthens the role of culture as part of the development of Southwest Finland and actively participates in cultural cooperation. The Committee prepares cultural matters for the Regional Board and is responsible for organising the Cultural Forum. It also contributes to the preparation of the regional strategy and monitors its implementation.

As an expert body, the Cultural Committee works to strengthen the cultural identity and modern regional spirit of Southwest Finland. Its activities cover not only cultural services but also support for cultural and creative industries, the promotion of cultural tourism, and the preservation of the cultural environment. When necessary, the Committee also participates in the preparation of cultural sector projects and funding decisions of the Regional Council.

Aurora Medal
Each year, the Cultural Committee prepares a proposal for the Regional Board on the recipient of the Aurora Medal, the cultural award of Southwest Finland. The award is granted to an individual, community, or authority that has made a distinguished contribution in the fields of science, art, or cultural work.

Composition
The members of the Committee represent sub-regions of Southwest Finland, educational institutions in the arts and culture sector, local heritage and museum organisations, as well as cultural tourism.

Chair:
Anne Sjöström

Further information:
Jaana Eskola, Senior Specialist in Culture

Language Services Committee

The Committee for Linguistic Services develops linguistic services in Southwest Finland at a general level. It promotes the consideration of bilingualism and multilingualism in regional activities and supports equal access to services and participation for all residents.

Chair:
Helena Tornberg, Centre Party

Members of the Committee for Linguistic Services 2025–2029

Rapporteur and Secretary:
Sami Heinonen, Archipelago and Rural Affairs Officer

Pensioners’ Organizations Cooperation Body

Varsinais-Suomi EETU is a regional cooperation body for pensioners’ organisations. Through it, the Regional Council increases dialogue and takes into account the views of pensioners’ organisations in its programme work. This cooperation also helps strengthen relations with civil society organisations and raise awareness of the Council’s work. The body was previously known as the Advisory Board of Pensioners’ Organisations in Southwest Finland.

Members of the cooperation body for pensioners’ organisations 2025–2029:

• Southwest Finland District of the Pensioners’ Association (Eläkeliitto)
• Regional Organisation of Eläkeläiset ry in Southwest Finland
• Southwest Finland District Organisation of the Central Federation of Pensioners
• Southwest Finland National Senior District
• Svenska pensionärsförbundet i Åboland rf

Further information:
Sami Heinonen, Archipelago and Rural Affairs Officer