Interreg in Finland: Impact through cooperation (Finland)

The Interreg programmes’ cooperation event “Impact through cooperation” 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.

The afternoon seminar will be opened by the Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand.

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: Petri Haapalainen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
• 9:45 Dialogue: Synergies and collaboration opportunities between Interreg programme projects Marko Ruokangas, Interact and Kirsi Ahlman, Baltic Sea Strategy Point
• 10:15 Panel: The impact of Interreg funding
  • Speakers: Merike Niitepõld, Central Baltic Programme, Merja Olenius, South-Savo Regional Council, Hanna Honkamäkilä, Council of Oulu Region, moderator: Marko Ruokangas
• 10:45 Networking
• 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, DG REGIO
• 13:45 Panel: Interreg funding and successful project examples
  • Speakers: Harri Kuusela, The Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, Niko Hänninen, University of Oulu, Suvi Jäntti, City of Espoo, moderator: Venla Virkamäki
• 14:30 Coffee break
• 15:00 Panel: The role of Interreg programmes in Finland
  • Speakers: Petri Haapalainen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Päivi Ekdahl, The Regional Council of Lapland, Eero Venäläinen, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council, moderator: Annukka Mäkinen
• 15:45 Final wrap-up: Satu Hietanen and Marko Ruokangas, Interact

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.