Together we are more
Bothnian Arc strives to promote co-operation between Finland and Sweden along the Bothnian Bay coastal line. We enhance sustainable and borderless development with respect to regional diversity.
Bothnian Arc area is the northern center of green transition, transportation and renewable energy. Sustainable tourism is a growing industry in the region.
Cooperation in different sectors is more important than ever in the Nordic region, Europe and globally. Bothnian Arc Association is a determined partner to promote cross-border cooperation.
Bothnian Arc is one of the twelve border regions of the Nordic Council of Ministers' and a member of AEBR (Association of European Border Regions) together with Tornedalsrådet.
Our values & mission
Our values are
- sustainability
- borderless functionality
- respect for diversity
- collaboration
Our mission is
- to connect and mobilize our stakeholders to work together
- identifying obstacles by facilitating knowledge exchange
- promoting and identifying our common interests inside and outside of the region
- Identifying opportunities for cooperation, synergy and joint solutions.
Members
Our members are
Kalajoki, Raahe, Oulu, Ii, Sea Lapland Development Center including (Simo, Kemi, Tervola, Tornio, Ylitornio), Haparanda, Kalix, Boden, Luleå, Piteå and Skellefteå
Our organisation
Board
Bothnian Arc Board consists of chair and 11 members and their alternates. Mirja Vehkaperä is the the chair of the Board and Daniel Smirat vice chair. The chairmanship of the Board rotates every two years between the City of Oulu in Finland and Luleå Municipality in Sweden.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting is the highest authority of the Bothnian Arc association. The annual meeting is held once a year in Sweden and Finland respectively.
Basic facts of the region
- Approximately 700 000 inhabitants
- Largest cities are Oulu and Luleå
- The area is rich in natural resources
- Industry in the region plays a leading role in the EU's green transition
- International innovation hubs
- Major export industries are ICT, forestry, pulp mills, board mills, paper mills, sawmills, chemical, bioproduct and steel industries
- Four airports and ten harbors
- Culturally rich area for locals and tourists
Membership in Bothnian Arc
Who can be a member?
The membership in the Bothnian Arc association is open for municipalities, regional municipalities and provinces located in the Bothnian Arc area in Finland and Sweden.Other authorities, organizations, and companies in the Bothnian Arc region can join as supporting members.
Why become a member?
- to promote cross-border cooperation in our region together with other partners within Bothnian Arc
- to develop sustainable tourism and smooth connections in our region
- to promote common interests
- to exchange knowledge
- to increase competence together with other actors