<\/em>The discussions focused on a fixed link across the Kvarken Strait and the Nordic Connector initiative \u2013 an east\u2013west transport and growth corridor in the northern Nordics. A fixed connection between Vaasa and Ume\u00e5 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<\/em>.<\/p>\n The seminar was hosted by Members of Parliament Catarina Deremar (Swedish Centre Party) and Eva Lindh (Swedish Social Democratic Party).\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n The seminar was hosted by Members of Parliament Catarina Deremar<\/strong> (Swedish Centre Party) and Eva Lindh<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u2013 Infrastructure, competitiveness, and preparedness are closely interconnected.\u00a0We now need more joint planning and concrete prioritisation at the Nordic level, says Eva Lindh<\/strong>, Member of Parliament and Member of the Nordic Council.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Ville Skinnari<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n \u2013 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.<\/p>\n A fixed connection across the Kvarken is mentioned in Finland\u2019s National Transport System Plan (Transport 12 Plan, 2026\u20132037) as well as in Finland\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The planned fixed connection between Vaasa and Ume\u00e5 is an essential part of the Nordic Connector initiative \u2013 an east\u2013west 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u2013 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<\/strong>, Regional Commissioner of V\u00e4sterbotten and Chair of the Kvarken Council EGTC.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kvarken.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/20260319-Riksdagsseminarium-Lindh-och-Deremar-1024x768.jpg\")
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Nordic Connector and the role of a fixed link<\/h2>\n
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