Geopolitical transformation and strategic autonomy are opening up new opportunities for Finland

Permanent Secretary Timo Jaatinen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment; CEO Minna Arve, Business Turku; Strategic Manager Suvi Aho, City of Vaasa; Executive Director Caroline Paulick Thiel, Policy of Tomorrow; and Head of Commissioner Henna Virkkunen's Cabinet Antti Timonen. Photographer: Lasse Lehto

The European Urban Initiative (EUI) brought together European and Finnish cities, the European Commission and national and regional authorities to discuss the changed geopolitical situation in Finland and its impact on cities and the development of innovation ecosystems. The event to support cities with capacity building was held in Oulu on 19-20 May 2026.

The event focused on the EU's new priorities: comprehensive security and strategic autonomy. These were explored not only as essential responses to a changing global context but also as key opportunities to enhance urban competitiveness and boost growth through innovation.

Permanent Secretary Timo Jaatinen from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment participated in a panel discussion held at the event. "Cities play a crucial role in comprehensive security, ensuring the smooth functioning of everyday life and playing a leading role in crisis preparedness and response. Close cooperation at various levels is a necessity for maintaining the resilience of society even in the midst of changes," says Permanent Secretary Timo Jaatinen.

Approximately 100 experts from different parts of Finland and Europe attended the event on both days. Ten European and seven Finnish cities shared their experiences of building resilience and innovation ecosystems in practice. The workshops focused on how to translate lessons learned into practical and effective solutions, whereas the panel discussions examined how to enhance Finland's competitiveness and accelerate innovation linked to strategic autonomy.

Visits to key sites within the Oulu innovation ecosystem - including the Nokia campus, PrintoCent, Oulu University Hospital, OuluHealth Labs, the University of Oulu AI Center, and the port - gave participants concrete insights into the expertise and strengths underpinning Finnish innovations development.

"Strategic autonomy is opening up significant new opportunities for cities to strengthen their competitiveness and renew themselves. When cities bring together business, research and the public sector, dynamic ecosystems emerge, as seen in Oulu, enabling ideas develop into innovations and sources of sustainable growth," Permanent Secretary Jaatinen says.

The event provided Finnish cities with a unique opportunity for direct dialogue with high-level representatives of the European Commission and reinforced the pivotal role of cities in building a safe and competitive future for Europe.

Inquiries:
Mervi Hemminki, Senior Specialist, Urban Contact Point, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 096

The Ministry's email addresses are in the format [email protected]