The shifting global geopolitical situation will create new requirements in terms of security of supply and security as well as the vitality of border areas. Decisions have been made at the national level, but the future NATO memberships of Norway, Finland, and Sweden and the changing security situation in the surrounding areas have radically changed the situation of border areas. During the corona pandemic, it became apparent that the residents of border areas had trouble getting up-to-date information about regulations in neighbouring countries. Authorities have intensified cooperation and preparedness for possible future crises, but the task of informing civil society about the practices and regulations of other countries is still unsatisfactory.
The main purpose of the Interreg Aurora funded small-scale project Borderless, secure and vibrant North is to organise discussion events in the areas covered by the Council of Torne Valley and Fell Lapland Development in Sweden, Finland and Norway. The goal of the events is to promote cross-border cooperation through communication and discussion, while providing all parties with the opportunity to be involved and influence future cross-border infrastructure projects that are significant in terms of security of supply, security and regional vitality. Another important task is preparing the common labour market and business area of the border regions for possible future crises and exceptional situations. During the project, partnership networks of cooperation organisations and persons will be gathered together in order to transmit cross-border information more efficiently and to strengthen local cross-border cooperation and advocacy in the shifting operating environment.
Contact:
Tuula Ajanki, project manager, Tornedalsrådet, tuula.ajanki@haparanda.se
