The Kvarken Council EGTC (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation) is a unique and groundbreaking organization that plays a crucial role in promoting Nordic cooperation and cross-border regional development. Through its innovative Board composition and by delivering tangible projects, the Kvarken Council EGTC has become a model for how regions can collaborate across national borders to foster sustainable development and strengthen regional ties.
Unique Board Composition
One of the many aspects that make the Kvarken Council EGTC particularly unique is its Board composition; the Board consists of representatives from both Finland and Sweden, ensuring that decisions and strategies reflect the interests and needs of both sides of the Kvarken. The Kvarken Council’s members have decided to prioritize cooperation, and the Board is a distinguished assembly of 21 members, including active politicians and officials from both sides of the Kvarken – all with significant influence within their respective organizations. This cross-border representation is not merely symbolic but also practical, enabling a more integrated and coordinated development of the region and ensuring an efficient process from idea to concrete cooperative measures.
Tangible Cooperation Projects and Initiatives
The Kvarken Council EGTC is engaged in a range of concrete projects that are of great importance for the region’s development. One of the most prominent and visible projects is, of course, the development of a new ferry line between Vaasa in Finland and Umeå in Sweden. This ferry, jointly owned and operated by the two cities in two different countries, is an example of how long-term and well-structured Nordic cooperation can lead to practical solutions that benefit both countries, regions, and local businesses.
Another significant initiative is the regional electric aviation project, which aims to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. By promoting innovation and sustainability, the Kvarken Council EGTC helps reduce the region’s carbon footprint and contributes to creating a greener future.
Next in line is, of course, the Nordic Connector project, which seeks to develop a fixed connection across the Kvarken. Nordic Connector is an incredibly important strategic project rooted in solid political cooperation, evidenced by its inclusion in the Finnish Government Programme, which led to the launch of the ongoing feasibility study.
However, it is essential to remember that the goal is not merely to create projects – the projects are tools in this process, albeit vital ones.
Nordic Cooperation and Cross-Border Regional Development
The Kvarken Council EGTC plays a central role in strengthening Nordic cooperation and actively contributes to realizing the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030, which envisions the Nordics as the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. The Kvarken Council helps to build bridges and foster understanding between Finland and Sweden by serving as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the two countries. This is particularly important at a time when cross-border cooperation is increasingly necessary to address shared challenges, such as geopolitical tensions, the green transition, climate change, and economic development.
The Kvarken Council EGTC holds a significant role in cross-border regional development. The organization contributes to strengthening the region’s competitiveness and attractiveness by driving projects that enhance infrastructure, promote innovation, and create new opportunities for businesses, such as in the tourism sector through the Bothnian Coastal Route project. This, in turn, leads to increased growth and prosperity for the region’s inhabitants.
World’s Most Democratic Organization?
The Kvarken Council EGTC is a shining example of how cross-border cooperation can lead to tangible results and positive change. Through its unique Board composition and innovative projects, the organization sets a path for how regions can work together to create a sustainable and successful future. It is a model that other regions in Europe and beyond can learn from and be inspired by. Remarkably, this has been achieved without top-down direction; there are no laws or regulations mandating regions, municipalities, and organizations to coordinate at the Nordic level across national borders. This collaboration has been created single-handedly and voluntarily by the region’s inhabitants, because it is important. The foundation of this cooperation is trust, and its structure fosters even more trust. For this reason, I often refer to this collaboration as the world’s most democratic organization. In today’s turbulent world, where nations are divided and wars rage in various corners of the globe, this achievement is something we can and should be immensely proud of. Trust is the greatest treasure of the North.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone contributing to the Kvarken Council’s success – our dedicated staff, Board, members, regional politicians and officials, and our funders from the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Interreg Aurora program. Your efforts are invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Forwards – together!
Mathias Lindström
Director
Kvarken Council EGTC