MEMBERSHIP WITH BENEFITS
Cooperation opportunities
The Kvarken Council is a driving force for the Kvarken region’s partnership and nowadays also provides unique and highly advantageous cooperation opportunities. Please feel welcome to join our cross-border cooperation!
EGTC opens doors for increased cooperation opportunities
The Kvarken Council has advanced its members’ cross-border cooperation since the Council’s founding in 1972. In 2008–2020, the Council’s operations were administered by a non-profit association registered in Finland, with activities on both sides of the Kvarken. As of 2021, the Council’s operations will be administered by a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), which can be briefly described as a legal instrument for cross-border cooperation. The EGTC model brings widespread benefits for our members. For instance, it significantly improves the Kvarken Council’s opportunities to assist its members with information, practical help, and funding in the launch of new cross-border projects.
Growing Interest in Cross-Border Cooperation
The Kvarken region’s strong development has led to a growing interest in cross-border cooperation and the opportunities it brings along. The region will attain a special status in the Nordic countries and Europe with the establishment of the first fully Nordic EGTC in Finland and Sweden. It is obvious that interest in the Kvarken region’s cross-border cooperation and, moreover, in Nordic cooperation will increase sharply. Active members will get to partake in the benefits and synergies that this produces.
Some effects of the Kvarken region’s partnership:
- Since 2011, the Kvarken Council has contributed to the attainment of circa EUR 13 million in EU funding for the region from various funding programmes.
- The Kvarken Council has also functioned as lead partner in projects that have formed the foundation for the procurement of a new, tailored, and environmentally friendly ferry for the region for the purpose of maintaining and developing cross-border cooperation. Read more about the Aurora Botnia ferry. Aurora Botnia.
What are the benefits of membership?
The Kvarken Council brings together committed members and a propelling partnership – together we can carry out unique projects that make a difference! The membership allows you to become a part of a strong cooperation and enjoy several valuable benefits, such as:
- Vast knowledge and wide networks
Thanks to the Kvarken Council’s long-standing experience and wide network of contacts, the Council can help its members to prepare, launch, and lead cross-border cooperation projects and to seek partners for these projects. Members get access to the organization’s knowledge and networks. - Project application support
The Kvarken Council can support its members with project applications within a wide range of funding programmes. - Project co-funding
On the basis of applications, the Kvarken Council may grant Nordic co-funding for various projects or actors within the organization’s area of operations, jointly prioritized by the Council’s Board. - EU-related funding
In addition to regional, municipal, and Nordic co-funding, the Kvarken Council strives to attain also EU-related funding for the region’s prioritized cross-border projects within the Council’s area of operations. - Reduced Administration
The Kvarken Council’s members get to benefit from the Council’s standing as a single beneficiary and, in this way, reduce their administration when carrying out EU projects. This is a significant advantage that also reduces the costs of participating in an EU project. - Economic benefits
A municipality’s membership fee, for instance, is a small sum on an annual basis compared to fees from external consultants in the drafting of e.g. project applications.
Curious about what a membership can give you?
Feel free to contact us and read more about becoming a member here:
Contact persons
