Interreg cooperation event at Oodi (Finland)

The Interreg programmes’ cooperation event “Yhteistyöllä vaikuttavuutta” brings together project actors and various stakeholders at Helsinki’s Central Library Oodi on Wednesday, 10 September. Throughout the day, discussions will focus on the impact of cross-border cooperation within the European Union. Participants will share experiences, network with other Interreg actors, and help shape future directions – together and across borders.

Join us for dialogue, networking, and inspiration through cooperation

The morning session offers project representatives the opportunity to explore collaboration opportunities, exchange experiences, and network. At the project stands, projects will showcase their successes in building cooperation. You can express your interest in hosting a stand through the registration form here.

The afternoon seminar will be opened by the Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand. In addition to project actors, representatives from ministries and Finnish members of programme monitoring committees will also take the floor.

Panel discussions throughout the day will delve into the effectiveness of Interreg funding, successful project outcomes, and future directions.

The event will be hosted by Satu Hietanen and Marko Ruokangas from Interact.

Programme

Morning: Effective cooperation

• 9:00 Registration and coffee
• 9:30 Opening of the programme: Petri Haapalainen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
• 9:45 Dialogue: Synergies and collaboration opportunities between Interreg programme projects Marko Ruokangas, Interact ja Kirsi Ahlman, Baltic Sea Strategy Point
• 10:15 Panel: The impact of Interreg funding
• 10:45 Networking and exploration of project stands
• 11:15 Lunch (at own cost)

Afternoon: Towards the next programme period

• 13:00 Opening: Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand
• 13:20 Interreg programmes in the current period and future outlook: Petri Koistinen, Politiikan koordinaattori, Euroopan komissio, alue- ja kaupunkipolitiikan pääosasto (DG REGIO)
• 13:45 Panel: Interreg funding and successful project examples
• 14:30 Coffee break
• 15:00 Panel: The role of Interreg programmes in Finland – thoughts from monitoring committee members
• 15:45 Final wrap-up: Satu Hietanen and Marko Ruokangas, Interact

The programme will be updated. Please note that the event is organized in Finnish.

📍 Venue: The Helsinki Central Library Oodi, Maijansali, Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki.

Registration

Please register by 2 September 2025.

This event is part of the Interreg Cooperation Day.