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Baza danych projektów PROW

Promotion of Transnational Cooperation (TNC) in Finland

Summary

This inter-territorial project, implemented by two LAGs, aimed to promote transnational cooperation (TNC) between Finnish LAGs and other rural regions within the EU and to urge the organisations to apply for funding under measure 421.

Background

A specific aim of the Finnish RDP in relation to cooperation is the implementation of at least 300 TNC projects during the 2007–2013 programming period (i.e. approximately five TNC projects per LAG). To facilitate the implementation of TNC projects, two LAGs in the Päijät-Häme province decided to implement an inter-territorial cooperation project.

Objective

The objective of the project was to tackle the major obstacles LAGs face when implementing TNC projects, namely, optimising the planning process and creating a network of contacts with foreign LAGs. The key objectives were to: i) launch at least three transnational cooperation projects; ii) strengthen cooperation between Finnish and foreign LAGs; and iii) to involve local actors in defining and implementing the projects.

Main activities

The main activities involved: i) creating a network between the Finnish LAGs and foreign countries through various events; ii) contacting professionals and locals in order to devise concrete project ideas; and iii) planning cooperation possibilities through e-mail and telephone correspondence and organising follow-up meetings in different countries (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, France, and Hungary).

Results & Benefits

This inter-territorial project, financed by two LAGs (Päijänne Leader ry and Etpähä ry) in the Päijät-Häme province in southern Finland, achieved its goals. Three TNC projects amongst Finnish LAGs and LAGs from Slovenia, Sweden and UK were launched and outreach to local citizens was enhanced, supporting better participation in Finnish LAG activities.

Lessons learnt

Some important success factors were identified:i) keep the plan as simple as possible, there is no need to set up complicated structures; ii) set concrete and achievable targets; iii) transnational cooperation projects require more planning time than local projects; and iv) translation facilities are important when partners do not share a common language, in order to reach a common understanding and useful outcomes.

Project location and other information

Päijät-Häme province in southern Finland. The two LAGs involved are Päijänne Leader ry and Etpähä ry. They cover 11 municipalities (100,000 inhabitants) in a rural area surrounding the city of Lahti.

Region

Päijät-Häme

RDP Territory

Mainland

Total project cost (€)

140 999

EAFRD contribution (€)

114 491

National contribution (€)

30 508

Private contribution (€)

5 000

Contact name

Mr. Kaj Loman

Telephone

Skype: kaj.loman; +358 400 462 052

Languages for contact

English, Finnish, Swedish

At a glance

Country

Finland

Final beneficiary type

Local Action Group, Other

Budget range

€100 000 - €500 000

Start date:

01/09/2010

End Date:

31/12/2012

Theme / Measure:

• Implementing the LEADER Approach
• Co-operation projects
• 421. Implementing co-operation projects

Keywords:

Partnership, Capacity building, Leader, Local Action Group, Inter-territorial cooperation

Last update

08/08/2013