EUR 39.45 million in EU funding awarded to Finland for seven military mobility projects

Finland has successfully applied for EU funding from the European Commission, which awarded EUR 39.45 million from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to seven military mobility projects in Finland. As the sum applied for was EUR 43.16 million, this call for proposals was a great success for Finland.

Funding was awarded for improving roads and constructing loading ramps in ports. The projects involve both the central government and other operators.

The CEF Transport Coordination Committee decided in favour of awarding funding to the projects on 23 January 2024. Some EUR 807 million in CEF funding was awarded to 38 projects. 

“Thanks to convincing and well-prepared projects, Finland was very successful in applying for funding. These projects are important for Finland. They support Finland's security of supply and safety, especially in Northern Finland,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

CEF Transport aims to improve military mobility across the EU by adapting parts of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for dual use, meeting both civilian and military needs.

EU funding for roads and ports

The total amount of CEF funding awarded to Finland was EUR 39.45 million. The following government projects received funding:

1. Restoration of the Tornionjoki bridge

EUR 3.20 million was awarded for restoring the Tornionjoki bridge. The project will improve the maximum load and usability of the bridge to meet the needs of growing border traffic and the requirements for managing emergencies. 

2. Restoration of the Oulu–Laurila railway line

EUR 16.78 million was awarded for restoring the Oulu–Laurila railway line. The project will upgrade the infrastructure for the rail section in order to increase the capacity and safety of sustainable rail transport and to improve competitiveness.

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

EUR 7.75 million was awarded for improving the main road 6 between between Hevossuo and Nappa in Kouvola. A new overpass bridge will be built for the main road, and the Koria overpass will be demolished due to its poor condition. The project will significantly improve the safety and flow of long-distance transport and passenger traffic.

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

EUR 2.30 million was awarded for improving the main road 4 between Hirvas, Rovaniemi and Vikajärvi. The project will draw up preliminary and final engineering plans for these road sections. The project aims to improve the flow and predictability of traffic, the business environment, economic efficiency of transport, land use development and conditions for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

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

EUR 1.15 million was awarded for upgrading the main road 82 at the Kalliosalmi bridge. The project will improve the flow of traffic at the Kalliosalmi bridge and ensure good functioning of transport in the Finnish Defence Forces' Rovajärvi training area, for example by restoring the Kalliosalmi bridge.

In addition, companies operating in Finland were awarded funding for two projects. EUR 4,66 million was awarded for the construction of a loading ramp at the Port of Rauma and EUR 3,62 million for the construction of a loading ramp at the Port of Pori.

Next steps

The Commission has indicated that this was the last call for proposals for military mobility projects during the 2021–2027 multiannual financial framework.

Inquiries:

Marjukka Vihavainen-Pitkänen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 40 825 1255, [email protected]