Finland's accessibility must be secured in the next commission term, says EK's leading expert Päivi Wood in an interview with Infra magazine.
1. Is the ambition of our EU policy enough, Päivi Wood?
It is essential that the government program now provides good tools for strengthening early influence, but there are issues that need to be particularly sharpened in their promotion. There are very few advocates of Finland's accessibility in Brussels. Our companies need access to the EU's internal market also in the new geopolitical situation, where we are getting caught up.
2. How should the "Finnish issue" be brought up?
Transport infrastructure and the accessibility of member countries are the basis of free movement and the internal market, and they also promote the reliability of society's operation and supply. Finland's logistical position weakened after Russia attacked Ukraine. As the guardian of the EU and NATO's long external border, we are now primarily protecting the whole of Europe, and we must know how to tell others this. The messages must be well-reasoned and seek solutions that benefit the entire EU region. You shouldn't just say "it doesn't work for us", but you also have to know what you want.
3. Finland lags behind in EU funding in the so-called external border area. cohesive. How will the situation be resolved?
In the EK's action program "Eastern Finland a special economic zone", a funding mechanism is proposed for the EU's next funding period starting in 2028, which takes into account the strategic importance of the eastern external border areas for European security. Finland's geopolitical position and NATO membership open up new opportunities in EU funding of transport infrastructure - so it is our time to invest and bring to the table views on the direction of funding. Security, resilience, crisis resilience Europe's self-sufficiency will be central to the program of the next Commission, and transport networks are the basis of everything. Europe's security suffers if the border areas are not economically strong and accessible.
4. What was the bright spot of the spring EU election debate?
Discussion about Finland's rail width! In recent years, increasing the track width to Western dimensions might have seemed like a utopia, but now there is a more positive attitude towards its promotion.
5. Greetings to the new members?
Let's take Finland forward in a timely manner, together and by offering solutions. Eteläranta is ready to offer information and views!
The story is about the summer issue of Infra magazine 2024.
Find out more EK's Eastern Finland special economic zone program!