As the Chair of the Kvarken Council EGTC, it is with great satisfaction that I reflect on the past year – a year that has marked significant progress and development for our region. 2023 has been a year where our collective work and commitment have clearly manifested in several important advancements.
One of the most noteworthy advancements has been the expansion of the Kvarken Council EGTC with new members. This expansion is not just a quantitative increase but, above all, a qualitative enhancement of our ability to act and influence at both regional and international levels. This underscores our joint commitment to the prosperity of the region and is a clear sign of the attractiveness and trust the Kvarken Council enjoys.
As our world changes, security issues have become increasingly prominent. Our efforts to strengthen east-west connections have been crucial in increasing the security and stability of the region. This initiative goes hand in hand with the Finnish investigation mentioned in the Finnish Government Programme adopted in 2023, which forms a cornerstone of our continued work towards a stronger and more interconnected region, from east to west, from Norway to the Finnish hinterland.
It is also worth emphasizing the good work that the staff of cooperation organizations has done over the year. Without your commitment and professionalism, we would not have been able to achieve the successes we see today. Your efforts are the core of our success and deserve our deepest appreciation and recognition.
Let us continue to build on the solid foundation that has been laid, with a continued focus on sustainable development, innovation, and cross-border cooperation. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that 2024 brings, convinced that together we will continue to strengthen the Kvarken region’s position as a leading force for positive change in the Nordic region and beyond.
Together we create a brighter future for the Kvarken region.
Rickard Carstedt
Chairman, Kvarken Council EGTC