Finland to seek EUR 43.16 million in EU funding for Transport Military Mobility projects

Finland will seek a total of EUR 43.16 million in funding for nine military mobility projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme. The Ministerial Finance Committee endorsed the applications on 7 September 2023.

A total of EUR 790 million in EU funding is available under this call for proposals. The aim is to improve military mobility across the EU by adapting parts of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to dual-use to improve both civilian and military transport infrastructure. The Commission has indicated that this is the last call for proposals for military mobility projects during the 2021–2027 multiannual financial framework. 

Government will seek funding to improve civilian and military transport infrastructure

The Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government outlines that the Government will make full use of the EU’s CEF funding, especially for projects involving military mobility. According to the Government Programme, proposals for military mobility projects will be included already in the 2023 supplementary budget procedure to maximise EU funding for well-founded projects.

“These carefully selected projects contribute to Finland’s safety and security of supply. It is important for the whole of Europe that Finland takes an active role in improving military mobility and applies for funding well in advance. The funding applications show the importance of Northern Finland for stronger military mobility,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

The Finnish Government will seek CEF funding for seven projects, totalling EUR 34.58 million. The projects are contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget. The defence administration has assessed the proposals’ impact on military mobility, and the Ministry of Defence has given its opinion on the proposals. 

The highest amount of EU funding is sought for the restoration of the Oulu–Laurila railway line. It aims to remove railway infrastructure bottlenecks that create security risks and limit the capacity of the railway section. Funding is also sought for improving roads, restoring and rebuilding bridges and deepening the fairway to Koverhar.

The Government seeks CEF funding for the following projects:

1. Restoration of the Tornionjoki bridge

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will seek EUR 3.20 million in funding. The application is contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget. 

2. Restoration of the Oulu–Laurila railway line

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will seek EUR 16.78 million in funding. The application is contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget.

3. Improvement of the main road 6 between Hevossuo and Nappa in Kouvola

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will seek EUR 7.75 million in funding. The application is contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget.

4. Improvement of the main road 4 between Hirvas, Rovaniemi and Vikajärvi

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will seek EUR 2.30 million in funding. The application is contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget.

5. Improvement of the main road 82 at the Kalliosalmi bridge in Kemijärvi

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will seek EUR 1.15 million in funding. The application is contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget.

6. Deepening of the fairway to Koverhar in Hanko

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will seek EUR 1.25 million in funding. The application is contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget.

7. Rebuilding of the Kappelinsalmi railway bridge in the Mäntyluoto–Tahkoluoto railway section in Pori 

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will seek EUR 2.15 million in funding. The application is contingent upon the Parliament’s decision on the supplementary budget.

Besides these seven projects, companies operating in Finland are applying for a total of EUR 8.59 million in CEF funding for two projects. They seek EUR 4.72 million for the construction of a loading ramp at the Port of Rauma and EUR 3.87 million for the construction of a loading ramp at the Port of Pori and for the upgrading of its port area.

Next steps

The deadline for this call for proposals by the European Commission is 21 September 2023. According to an indicative timeline released by the Commission, decisions on the granting of funding will be made in early 2024.

Inquiries:

Marjukka Vihavainen-Pitkänen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 685, marjukka.vihavainen-pitkanen(at)gov.fi