INFRA ry encourages the government, which is currently engaged in a framework debate, to explore ways to connect Finland logistically to the West and to secure funding for basic road maintenance and infrastructure research.
"One of the biggest challenges in Finnish transport policy is the lack of long-term vision. It will eventually overshadow the country's growth prospects and even safety," INFRA CEO Paavo Syrjö says.
Large-scale logistics projects in Finland's neighboring regions, such as Rail Baltica and the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel from Denmark to Germany, primarily improve the position of competitor countries in the EU's internal market.
"New opportunities are opening up elsewhere, and Finland is in danger of curling up in its back seat. For us, market access, security of supply, security and defense capability are at the mercy of the functioning of the transport network and the vulnerabilities of the Baltic Sea. Discussions about growth measures absolutely require a parallel discussion about the big picture of transport policy," Syrjö states.
Syrjö emphasizes that the impact will not be felt immediately, but in the transport vision, even a quarter is 25 years.
"The first step of the vision is to investigate Finland's options for fixed logistics routes to the west. There is plenty of time to do the investigation during this government term. By being on the move early, we can also benefit from the situation where transport is included in several EU funding instruments. Our transport visions are of interest to the EU, and the potential for receiving co-financing for implementation is growing."
The basic highway maintenance thermometer shows 4,2 billion
In addition to future visions, INFRA wants to turn its attention to the current state of the road network. The network's repair debt is already over 4,2 billion euros, and the consequences are visible in the everyday lives of people and companies. INFRA considers the government's repair debt package of just over 500 million euros important, but reminds us that its effectiveness will weaken if the funding for basic road maintenance is not permanently strengthened.
“The concern is that occasional bursts of funding will not solve the overall weakening trend of the road network. As a first step, we would allocate the still unallocated 70 million euros of the repair debt package in the supplementary budget for 2025. In addition, we must use all means to find solutions for 2026 and beyond, as the funding level planned in the Transport 12 plan threatens to explode the repair debt into new growth. Resolving the debt requires an additional annual investment of at least 200–250 million euros for both the rail and road networks,” said a leading expert. Nina Raitanen evaluate.
Due to climate change and shortages of money and skills, debt repayment is being made under increasingly difficult circumstances. Innovation is needed as a solution, but the conditions that emphasize the internationalization and export potential of traditional financial instruments do not favor the infrastructure and transport sector. INFRA is therefore proposing a separate research and development program for the sector, in which the state would invest 5 million euros per year for 7 years.
INFRA would also support regions competing for global green investments. The government is expected to ensure resources for smooth permitting and create a system where investment promoters can receive expert assistance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Paavo Syrjö, CEO, INFRA ry
Nina Raitanen, leading expert, INFRA ry