Press releases, 25.1.2011

Evaluation report commissioned by the Foreign Ministry recommends continuation of neighbouring area cooperation

Press release 21/2011
25 January 2011

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland commissioned a comprehensive evaluation of neighboring area cooperation between Finland and Russia that encompassed all sectors of operation. The evaluation focused on the results achieved and needs for development of neighbouring area cooperation between the two countries. The evaluation report was launched at an event held at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on 25 January, led by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen.

The evaluation examined the cooperation conducted in Russia during the years 2004–2009. The most support was allocated for projects implemented in the environmental, economic cooperation, and social and health sectors in neighbouring areas. The evaluation was carried out by Impact Consulting Oy.

The evaluation report concludes that neighbouring area cooperation has been successful and has yielded results. Project work has made it possible in our neighbouring environment to promote the development of many issues important to Finland. Cooperation has benefited both parties; one important achievement is cross-border cooperation networks between various actors.

Neighbouring area cooperation funding has brought about significant benefits with a relatively small investment by means of linking the bilateral cooperation to a wider international cooperation framework. The report encourages the Finnish government to continue its support for neighbouring area cooperation.

Neighbouring area cooperation is also an important factor in the Government’s Russia Action Plan, through which it has been possible to promote cooperation between the authorities of different countries. According to the report, appropriations for neighbouring area cooperation should be allocated not only for bilateral projects but also for broader regional cooperation where the Northern Dimension and Arctic cooperation figure prominently.

Additional information: Counsellor of Foreign Affairs Anneli Puura-Märkälä, tel. +358 9 1605 5625, Päivi Nevala, Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 09 1605 6171 and Katri Kulmuni, Press Attaché to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, mobile tel. +358 400 739 824