Finland, Sweden form EGTC to promote Kvarken

Finland and Sweden have established a European grouping of territorial cooperation – the Kvarken Council (EGTC), said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release.

The aim of the grouping is to develop cross-border cooperation in the northern Baltic Sea and to promote the region’s competitiveness.

Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä on Thursday approved the accession of Finnish members to the grouping and the Swedish government approved the accession of Swedish members.

Minister for Rural Affairs Jennie Nilsson signed the agreement on behalf of Sweden. The domicile of the Kvarken Council (EGTC) will be in Vaasa.

Cooperation in the Kvarken region has taken place for a long time. The organisational structure of the Kvarken Council, which has operated since 1972, has now changed from a registered association to an EGTC.

EGTC is an abbreviation of European grouping of territorial cooperation, which is an instrument for cross-border cooperation within the European Union.

The aim is to develop the Kvarken region into a functioning, competitive, and integrated border area in the north of the Baltic Sea, with good transport infrastructure and connections both within the region and beyond, and an active role in Nordic and European cooperation.

The aim of the council is to develop the Kvarken region into a pioneer of European and Nordic cohesion policy in various areas, such as business, education, culture, energy, tourism, sports, environment, and health.