First calls for applications under the Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021−2027 programme to open in the regions

NordenBladet — The digital service package of the EU’s regional and structural policy funds for the programming period 2021−2027 has been completed. The calls for applications in the programming period will open in stages. Applications for business funding from the ELY Centres will be the first to begin on 14 March 2022.The Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021−2027 programme supports industrial, energy, climate, innovation, education and employment policies as well as the work against exclusion and poverty. The programme includes the measures of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). “The application system for the new programming period is now ready and the responsibility for implementation will be transferred to regions, ELY Centres and regional councils. The first calls for applications will soon open to companies and it is important to ensure that the projects get off to a good start. The results will be measured in companies. That is where growth and jobs are created in Finland,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.Calls for applications in the programming period to open in stagesRegional councils, ELY Centres and the Finnish Food Authority will grant the funding during the new regional and structural policy programming period. The authorities granting the funding will open the calls for applications in the EURA 2021 system. The online service will be available in Finnish and Swedish.The first calls to open will be ELY Centres’ calls for business development aid. Companies can apply for aid for investments and development measures. Aid may be used to finance the development of company business competence, internationalisation, products and production methods, services,preparation of projects, and other similar significant development of business activities. More detailed information on the criteria for business development aid is available in the ELY Centres’ calls for applications and the regional funding policies.The regional councils and ELY Centres will open the calls for applications in March−April. Measures under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and material aid from ESF+ will begin later this year.The funding authorities will determine a more detailed application schedule. News about the calls for applications will be published on the rakennerahastot.fi website and in the EURA 2021 system.Around EUR 520 million available in the first year The implementation of the new regional and structural policy programme will take place in 2021–2027. The programme funding consists of EU and national funding. The Government has authorised the granting of EUR 520,439,000 from the 2022 budget to the funding authorities for the calls. Of the total, EUR 332,805,000 is reserved for the ERDF measures and EUR 187,634,000 for the ESF+ measures.