13h30–14h00 EET / 12h30–13h00 CET: Welcome & Registration
14h00–14h10 EET / 13h00–13h10 CET: Opening remarks
- Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President, European Commission (video message)
- Hanna-Maria Urjankangas, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Finland
- Dorothée Allain-Dupré, Head of Division, Regional Development and Multilevel Governance Division, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions & Cities, OECD
14h10–14h45 EET / 13h10–13h45 CET:
Session I: Adapting to change – Transition strategies for eastern and south-east Finland’s border regions
This session presented the key findings and recommendations of the technical support project “Transition Strategy for Finland’s Eastern and Southeastern Border Regions”, implemented by the OECD and funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument. It summarised the regions’ main economic, social, and security challenges and highlights opportunities for diversification, skills development, and innovation. The presentation also introduced forward-looking recommendations aimed at strengthening resilience, security, and sustainable regional development.
Moderator: Hanna-Maria Urjankangas, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Presenter: Antti Moisio, Senior Economist, Project Manager, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD
Discussion followed by Q&A
14h45–14h55 EET / 13h45–13h55 CET:
Speech by Minister Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
14h55–15h35 EET / 13h55–14h35 CET:
Session II: Integration of regional development and security
This panel explored how regional development and security policies can be better aligned in response to the profound geopolitical changes affecting Finland’s eastern and southeastern border regions. The discussion addressed how national defence priorities, regional resilience, and economic renewal can reinforce one another - turning security-related investments into long-term regional development opportunities. Speakers shared perspectives on how dual-use infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and cross-border co-operation can strengthen both preparedness and competitiveness. Insights from Estonia provided an international comparison on integrating security, resilience and regional policy at the EU’s external border.
Moderator: Antti Moisio, OECD
Panellists' presentations:
- Petri Kahila, Director, Karelia Institute, University of Eastern Finland
- Riikka Pirkkalainen, Regional Mayor, Kainuu Region
- Eira Varis, Regional Development Director, North Karelia Region
Panel discussion followed by Q&A
15h35–16h00 EET / 14h35–15h00 CET: Coffee break
16h10–16h45 EET / 15h10–15h45 CET:
Session III: Revitalising the economy of Finland’s eastern and southeastern border regions
This session discussed how Finland’s eastern and southeastern border regions can revitalise and diversify their economies following the disruptions caused by the closure of the border with Russia. The discussion explored how regional strengths in bioeconomy, clean energy, tourism, and manufacturing, among other sectors, can be leveraged to foster new growth and investment, while addressing demographic and labour market challenges. Speakers reflected on the roles of national and EU policies, innovation, and private-sector engagement in supporting economic resilience and ensuring sustainable, long-term development, complemented by an international perspective on regional development and special economic zones within the EU.
Moderator: Kaspar Richter, Head of Unit, European Commission, Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM)
Panellists’ presentations:
- Harri Broman, Special Representative for Eastern Finland
- Johanna Osenius, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
- Kirsi Vainio, Development Director, Regional Council of South Karelia
- Tomasz Dorozynski, Professor, University of Lodz
Panel discussion followed by Q&A
16h45–17h00 EET / 15h45–16h0 CET: Closing remarks
Conclusions:
- Johanna Osenius, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
- Kaspar Richter, European Commission, SG REFORM
- Dorothée Allain-Dupré, OECD
