Regional Development Committee MEPs finish visit to Sweden
A delegation from the Committee on Regional Development visited the Jämtland Härjedalen region in Central Sweden to learn about development initiatives in the region.
During their three-day visit, the delegation met with local and regional stakeholders to learn more about regional innovation strategies, SME support and sustainability initiatives funded by cohesion funds in the city of Östersund and the wider Jämtland Härjedalen region.
The trip included talks with city and local administrators and a regional development committee. MEPs also visited research centres, Mid Sweden University, electronic aircraft testing arena Green Flyway, single-use medical product manufacturer Minitube, local tourism businesses, and the Gaaltije South Sami culture centre.
After the visit, Head of Delegation Vladimir Prebilič (Greens/EFA, SL) said: "The region is a role model of a balanced use of cohesion instruments through a resilient and innovative approach both in the university and the business sectors. The ability of SMEs to adapt to the challenges they are facing, turning them into opportunities, should be taken as an example in the ever-changing current geopolitical situation."
Sofie Eriksson (S&D, SV) said: "The mission has given us insights and positive examples of locally-led development and the importance of cohesion policy funding. The message from local and regional actors has been very clear, for the strengthening of the partnership principle and no to possible centralisation."
Tsvetelina Penkova (S&D, BG) said: "Sweden is a good example of a working decentralised model for the regional governments. With the help of cohesion funding, the Jämtland Härjedalen region and its municipalities are actively stimulating the development and the growth of small local innovative and sustainable enterprises. This model is strongly supported by the fast-growing Mid Sweden University, which offers world-recognised research programs to its 24 000 students from Sweden and from all over the world."
