Lounaistuuli – Empowering Lapland through Northern Collaboration, Baltic Synergy, and NATO Insights

Lounaistuuli project responds to changes in the international operating environment by enhancing the readiness for change in Lapland in the new geopolitical situation. This is achieved by strengthening northern cooperation, exploring opportunities and possibilities of Baltic Sea cooperation and NATO membership for Lapland’s business and development.

The international operating environment in Lapland underwent a fundamental change at the end of February 2022. Russia’s initiated war in Ukraine initially interrupted and later indefinitely suspended all cooperation with Russia’s northern regions. Attention turned towards Nordic neighbours and Europe.

Aims of the project

The Lounaistuuli project aims to enhance Lapland’s adaptability in the new geopolitical environment by renewing, strengthening, and intensifying, on one hand, the cooperation among Northern Finland, Northern Sweden, and Northern Norway, and on the other hand, by assessing the opportunities brought by Baltic Sea Commission cooperation for Lapland’s business and regional development. In addition to these goals, the project examines the possibilities brought by NATO membership from the perspective of Lapland’s regional development.

Work packages

1. Enhancing cooperation among the Northern regions of Europe
2. Enhancing and strengthening Baltic Sea cooperation capabilities
3. Opportunities brought by Finland’s NATO membership for Lapland’s regional development

Expected results

As a result of the project, a close and goal-oriented cooperation has emerged among the northern regions. A model for Nordic strategic regional development cooperation has also been established.

Secondly, Lapland’s capabilities to effectively operate within the Baltic Sea Commission for the benefit of Lapland’s regional development and business have increased. A report has been prepared on the new network activities, analysing collaboration and outlining a future plan.

Thirdly, Lapland has sufficient information about the opportunities that Finland’s NATO membership brings, such as for transportation development or research and innovation activities. The opportunities brought by NATO membership are analysed and reported, and an action plan for their utilisation is developed.