Advocacy and Cooperation
We safeguard the interests of Southwest Finland and influence decision-making at the local, national and European levels. We work to ensure that the region’s priorities are reflected in government programmes, the national budget and EU funding programmes. Advocacy is a collaborative effort: we bring together regional stakeholders, build shared objectives and communicate Southwest Finland’s message to decision-makers – from Brussels to local municipalities.
Our Advocacy Work
The Regional Council of Southwest Finland actively promotes the region’s strategic influence at regional, national, and international levels. In regional advocacy work, the Council cooperates closely with municipalities, universities, businesses, organizations, and state authorities. The Council coordinates, among other things, the regional advocacy cooperation group and the Archipelago Sea advocacy group, and utilizes the expertise of the regional cooperation group and its sections.
In national advocacy, the Regional Council of Southwest Finland safeguards the region’s interests in national decision-making and brings the regional perspective to the state administration, ministries, and parliament. Cooperation with members of parliament and ministers from the constituency is a key advocacy channel. Advocacy work is based on strategic objectives, which are updated for each electoral term, and the Council actively monitors legislative and budget preparation.
Internationally, the Regional Council of Southwest Finland exerts influence particularly through cooperation with the regions of Southern Finland and Baltic Sea partners. In Brussels, the Council and the City of Turku have a joint office through which the region’s voice is heard in the European Union. The objective is to strengthen Southwest Finland’s position in the preparation of EU programs and ensure that EU funding is obtained for the region’s development needs.
Our Advocacy Channels
In Southwest Finland, MPs actively cooperate and work together to promote the objectives of the county’s government programme. The 17 MPs in the region form an active cooperation group. The group is chaired by Pauli Aalto-Setälä (CoR) and its vice-chairs are Vilhelm Junnila (Ps.) and Saku Nikkanen (SDP). The Regional Council of Southwest Finland coordinates the meetings of the cooperation group.
Municipal Manager Meeting
The Southwest Finland Municipal Managers’ Forum is a cooperation platform for the region’s 27 municipalities, coordinated by the Regional Council of Southwest Finland. The forum brings together municipal managers approximately every six weeks to discuss current regional and national issues. Its purpose is to strengthen cooperation between municipalities, share good practices and promote joint solutions for the development of the region.
The Southwest Finland Influencers’ Academy encourages young people to take an active role in society. Nearly 200 young people have completed the programme, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to participate in public decision-making and societal debate. The training is aimed at young people and students interested in social and political issues. During the year, participants learn about decision-making at the municipal, regional, national and EU levels. The goal is to lower the threshold for civic engagement and inspire young people to help shape the future of Southwest Finland.
Themes for advocacy
The advocacy priorities of Southwest Finland are aligned with the current Government Programme and its policy objectives, as well as with the strategic directions of EU-level decision-making. Advocacy work focuses on identifying issues of key importance to Southwest Finland and ensuring that they are taken into account in decision-making, legislation and funding allocations. 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.
Growth and accessibility in Southwest Finland depend on a smooth, efficient and safe transport network. The development of rail transport supports regional vitality, sustainable mobility and economic growth across Southern Finland. The West Rail project (Länsirata), a high-speed rail connection between Turku and Helsinki, will unite the cities into a single labour market area of 1.5 million people. The new rail alignment and the double-track section between Turku and Salo will reduce travel times by approximately 30 minutes and provide a low-emission alternative to road transport. Planning is progressing through the West Rail project company, and construction has already begun at both ends of the route. The aim is to secure a decision during the 2027–2031 parliamentary term on the construction of the second phase of the project, the Lohja–Salo rail link.
The regional transport system will be further strengthened by the planned local rail services connecting Turku, Salo, Loimaa and Uusikaupunki into a unified commuting area. Together, the West Rail project and local rail services will help build a sustainable, accessible and attractive Southwest Finland as part of Finland’s wider network for growth and connectivity.
Transport – Road Network and Archipelago Connections
There are several important road projects in Southwest Finland that would improve traffic flow, safety and sustainability. The E18 Turku Ring Road is one of the most important roads in Finland, and its tunnel in the centre of Raisio has reached the construction phase. The four-lane Naantali-Raisio section is also ready for construction and awaiting funding. The motorway 8 Laitila interchange and the motorway 9 Lieto-Aura dual carriageway are ready to be launched 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 Southern 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 aims to strengthen the competitiveness of its established key industries while creating new opportunities for growth through research, investments and business ecosystems.
The pharmaceutical and health technology sectors are among the region’s long-standing strengths. Southwest Finland accounts for the majority of Finland’s pharmaceutical exports and is home to an internationally recognised network of research organisations and companies. The objective is to further develop this centre of expertise and support the commercialisation of research results into new innovations.
The maritime industry is another key driver of export-led growth in Southwest Finland. The extensive industrial cluster built around the Turku shipyard generates jobs and investments throughout the region. The goal is to support the sector’s green transition and strengthen the conditions for competitive domestic production.
The green transition is a cross-cutting theme in the region’s economic development policy. Southwest Finland aims to be a frontrunner in the circular economy, bioeconomy and hydrogen economy. Investments in infrastructure, such as the electricity grid, are a key part of the region’s objectives. These investments will strengthen security of supply, reduce emissions and create new export opportunities.
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 the demand for skilled labour. At the same time, population ageing, smaller age cohorts and labour market mismatches are intensifying competition for talent.
Southwest Finland aims to ensure that employment services, companies’ recruitment needs, educational opportunities and career pathways are seamlessly connected. The region advocates for sufficient study places, flexible learning pathways and closer cooperation between higher education institutions and businesses.
Attracting and retaining international talent requires efficient permit processes, rapid recognition of qualifications, stronger language and integration services, and well-functioning service pathways linking employers and jobseekers.
Research, development and innovation (RDI) investments also play a key role in strengthening the regional labour market. Southwest Finland seeks to increase RDI investments that support both emerging technologies and the renewal of its traditional strong industries.
EU Policy – Cooperation, Funding, and Impact
European Union cohesion and regional policy provides Southwest Finland with important tools for sustainable growth and development. During the 2021–2027 programming period, the EU Structural Funds – the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) – support business development, skills and employment. National funding priorities continue to favour Eastern and Northern Finland, but Southwest Finland advocates for a more balanced regional allocation of resources and for making full use of growth potential across the entire country.
The EU’s regional aid framework places Southern and Western Finland, including Southwest Finland, in a lower aid category, which weakens the competitiveness of these regions.
In transport policy, the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2) provide funding opportunities for the ports of Turku and Naantali, the E18 transport corridor and the rail connection between Helsinki and Turku.
Through active engagement in EU policy, Southwest Finland strengthens its position as part of a sustainable, competitive and well-connected Europe.
