Fixed link across the Kvarken discussed in the Swedish Parliament – east–west connections highlighted as a strategic issue in the Nordic region
Stronger east–west transport connections in Northern Europe and the Nordic region were highlighted as a strategic issue when Members of Parliament from across the Swedish political spectrum, together with political representatives and speakers from Finland, gathered at Sweden’s Parliament, the Riksdag, on 19 March.
The discussions focused on a fixed link across the Kvarken Strait and the Nordic Connector initiative – an east–west transport and growth corridor in the northern Nordics. A fixed connection between Vaasa and Umeå is seen as an important step forward. The discussion underlined the need to move from separate national investments towards a more holistic Nordic approach to transport infrastructure, focusing on joint planning and prioritisation.
The seminar was hosted by Members of Parliament Catarina Deremar (Swedish Centre Party) and Eva Lindh (Swedish Social Democratic Party).
The seminar was hosted by Members of Parliament Catarina Deremar (Swedish Centre Party) and Eva Lindh (Swedish Social Democratic Party). During the event, results from a Finnish authority-led investigation focussing on a fixed Kvarken connection were presented, alongside ongoing analyses of cross-border cooperation between Finland and Sweden.
The discussions take place in the light of rapid industrial growth in the northern Nordic region and a changing security environment in Europe. At the same time, the need for robust, reliable, and cost-effective transport solutions between the Nordic countries continues to increase.
– Infrastructure, competitiveness, and preparedness are closely interconnected. We now need more joint planning and concrete prioritisation at the Nordic level, says Eva Lindh, Member of Parliament and Member of the Nordic Council.
Ville Skinnari (Social Democratic Party of Finland), Member of the Finnish Parliament and a former Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, also participated as a speaker.
Ville Skinnari (Social Democratic Party of Finland), Member of the Finnish Parliament and a former Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, also participated as a speaker, emphasising the need for joint investments in strategic infrastructure.
– The infrastructure we invest in must serve both business and security from the outset. This requires joint planning and investment across the Nordic countries, says Ville Skinnari.
A fixed connection across the Kvarken is mentioned in Finland’s National Transport System Plan (Transport 12 Plan, 2026–2037) as well as in Finland’s current Government Programme. Finland has therefore already made significant progress in this matter, and the discussions in the Swedish Parliament clearly highlight the need for joint Nordic planning.
Nordic Connector and the role of a fixed link
The planned fixed connection between Vaasa and Umeå is an essential part of the Nordic Connector initiative – an east–west transport corridor linking Finland and Sweden, that continues all the way to Norway and the Atlantic coast. The connection would enable shorter, more eco-efficient and cost-effective transport chains, strengthen security of supply, and contribute to a more robust and integrated Nordic transport system.
The Kvarken Council EGTC participated in the seminar as a cross-border cooperation platform between Finland and Sweden and as a key driver behind the Nordic Connector initiative. Within the EU-funded Interreg Aurora project FLINC, analyses and decision-support materials are being developed regarding financing models, broader societal benefits, and the implementation of large-scale, cross-border infrastructure investments. The Nordic Connector, which serves as a concrete example of how this would work, was presented at the seminar.
– There is a clear political will to proceed. The discussion highlights the need for joint planning and sustainable financing solutions. The involvement of the business sector is crucial to ensure that investments work in practice and contribute to enhancing Nordic competitiveness, security of supply, and resilience. The fixed link across the Kvarken is a concrete step in this direction, says Rickard Carstedt, Regional Commissioner of Västerbotten and Chair of the Kvarken Council EGTC.
The analyses conducted within the FLINC project will be completed in 2026 and are intended to provide Nordic decision-makers with strong evidence to support future decisions regarding this connection. The analyses include financing models, methods for assessing broader societal benefits, and matters related to military mobility and security of supply. The results gathered will also benefit similar investments in other border regions.
Åsa Karlsson (Swedish Social Democratic Party), member of Parliament and Member of the Nordic Council , Ville Skinnari (Social Democratic Party of Finland), Member of the Finnish Parliament and a former Minister for Foreign Trade and Development and Rickard Carstedt (Swedish Social Democratic Party), Regional Commissioner of Västerbotten and Chair of the Kvarken Council EGTC
About the FLINC project
FLINC (Financing Large-Scale Cross-Border Infrastructure – Case Nordic Connector) develops methods for financing and analysis of large-scale, cross-border infrastructure. The Nordic Connector serves as the central case study.
Project partners: Kvarken Council EGTC (sole beneficiary, EGTC)
The reference group includes representatives from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Traficom, and the Swedish Transport Administration.
Funders: Interreg Aurora, Regional Council of Lapland, Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, City of Vaasa, Umeå Municipality
Project duration: 1.4.2025–31.12.2026
Project budget: €599,600
Read more: https://www.kvarken.org/en/project/flinc/
