How the EU is making a difference in Southwest Finland

The European Union’s presence goes far beyond Brussels. Across the EU, numerous projects and programmes are bringing real impact to local communities—and Southwest Finland is no exception.

On Europe Day, the EUSBSR Policy Areas Nutri and Ship hosted together with the Regional Council of Southwest Finland a local event in Turku to highlight how EU-funded initiatives are driving development, cooperation, and sustainability in the region. Both Policy Areas have coordinators based in Turku, making the city a hub for Baltic Sea cooperation.

Opening the event

Sonja Palhus and Tarja Nuotio from the Regional Council of Southwest Finland reflected on the enduring importance of unity and cooperation—values that continue to shape the EU’s and the region’s progress. They also noted that 2025 is a special year in Southwest Finland, as the Archipelago near Turku is celebrated as a regional thematic focus.

EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region locally

Kirsi Ahlman representing Centrum Balticum and the EUSBSR’s Baltic Sea Strategy Point (BSP), explained how the Strategy is being developed through its offices in Turku and Hamburg. She emphasized the importance of local engagement in shaping the future of the Baltic Sea Region.

Policy Area coordinators Elsi Kauppinen (Nutri) and Sami Vesterinen (Ship) shared updates on their work, including opportunities for cooperation, and upcoming events. Topics like nutrient pollution and sustainable shipping are not only vital for the entire Baltic Sea but also highly relevant for Southwest Finland—especially considering Finland’s unique logistical position, almost like an island.

International projects bring local benefits

Project partners from the Interreg Baltic Sea Region-funded projects CiNURGi and Ecoprodigi shared insights into their work and reflected on the relevance and challenges of participating in international projects. Eetu Virtanen from HELCOM shared how CiNURGi is developing, for example transport solutions for nutrient recycling, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Maarit Lappalainen from Carinafour participated in the Ecoprodigi-project and explained how they developed an IT solution for logistics management based on circular economy principles. This solution has already been integrated into their daily operations and has opened up new business opportunities. In fact, it was being used just outside the event venue—at a nearby construction site visible from the window, which works as a perfect example how the EU projects do in fact have tangible results.

Turku is also home to the Interact and Interreg Central Baltic programme offices

Interreg programmes offer funding for international projects involving partners also from Southwest Finland. Representatives from Interreg programmes Central Baltic and Baltic Sea Region shared insights into upcoming funding calls, while Interact provided a glimpse into the future direction of Interreg funding beyond 2027.

Want to bring the EU closer to your region? Reach out to your local EUSBSR coordinators to explore how we can host a similar event for you and showcase the EU’s impact in your community.

Open calls relevant for Southwest Finland

Interreg Central Baltic:

• Deadline for fifth call applications is 30 September 2025

Interreg Baltic Sea Region:

• Deadline for idea papers to a call for small projects is 5 June 2025 and for the final applications 8 October 2025
• Deadline for idea papers to platform project call is 30 September and for final application 20 November 2025

Other calls

Do not forget that there are many other relevant funding programmes in the Baltic Sea Region. You can get an overview of Interreg programmes in your area through interreg.eu -portal. For example, Interreg Aurora and Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic will have open calls this year.

Text written by Elsi Kauppinen coordinator of PA Nutri and Sami Vesterinen coordinator of PA Ship

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