Organisation

Prioritized measure: Financing

The project seeks to coordinate an MFF (new CEF) application for 2028, with a primary focus on rail. A consultant will be hired, funded by Region Västernorrland, to guide preparations and clarify the process. The outcomes may also be compared to road transport and other modes.

The new EU proposal includes an allocation of 51.5 billion Euro for transport initiatives for the period 2028-2034, which is an increase compared to previous allocations. A portion of these funds are designated for military mobility. The Umeå-Luleå-Oulu corridor is specifically mentioned in the Annex. Negotiations regarding this proposal are currently ongoing.

Anyone interested in participating in the Financing Working Geoup can contact Henric.

Prioritized measure: Joint transport plan

FTIA has indicated that it recognises the significance of Platform North's work and is committed to supporting its initiatives. As a result, FTIA may designate a representative to participate in the working group.

Further the aim is to organize a joint working meeting with NTPC. Since NTPC is preparing a joint Nordic Transport strategy which includes both restricted material and open material, it would be critical to work in close cooperation.

Prioritized measure: Information platform

A communication group has been formed with participants from all three countries. The group intends to develop a communications plan and establish procedures for distributing newsletters. Key considerations include determining the content of information, identifying target audiences, and deciding on the frequency of communications.

Tracking actions, developments, and updates within Platform North is considered important. Email addresses collected at the previous Forum can be utilized for information dissemination. Additionally, once finalized, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will provide detailed information about the Platform North initiative and should be published online, along with the list of signing organizations.

Conducting interviews with priority measure leaders and the Platform North chair is proposed, ideally presented as short films to be made available on the web.

Digital map

An interactive digital map to visualize ongoing and planned infrastructure projects is aimed for. The Swedish Transport Administration has designated a contact person for this initiative. The Norwegian Public Road Administration will appoint a contact person soon. In Finland, Väylä offers downloadable data on development projects. Currently, Jussi is serving as the contact for Finland until a permanent contact person is assigned.

Steering Committee Workshops

The plan is to have the following workshops:

• December 3, Digital
• January 21-22, lunch-to lunch, Härnösand Sweden
• March 19, a third day, after the Forum, Luleå Sweden
• May, Finland, an extra day in connection to New North final seminar
• October 2026, lunch-to-lunch, Bodø Norway

The workshops are suggested to be planned with short information on different topics, each followed by a workshop discussion on how the information connects to Platform North work.

Next Platform North Forum meeting

Communication has been established with the Swedish Ministry regarding participation. The scheduled working dates are 17-18 March 2026. Hopefully the Swedish Ministry will assist in extending invitations to the Norwegian and Finnish ministers. A meeting with the Swedish Ministry is planned within the coming days.

The EU coordinators and the EU Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism have been invited. Topics under consideration for the Forum include industrial establishments, security, the Sweden/Finland rail gauge, and transport as it relates to energy and digitalization. The work related to prioritized measures will be presented. A signing event for the Memorandum of Understanding is also planned.

Based on the feedback received, participants expressed a desire for additional time to mingle, suggesting that a less intensive program would be beneficial. Reducing the number of speakers and allowing for more in-depth discussions on selected topics was also recommended. The goal is to encourage greater interaction and minimize the reliance on PPT presentations.

Prioritized measure: Information platform

The Joint Transport Plan and Financing working groups should provide updates on their progress to the Working Group Information Platform.

Prioritized measure: Joint transport plan

A recent expert meeting determined that a joint transport plan should be less comprehensive than previous plans, such as the Joint Barents Transport Plan.

Recommendations and conclusions from prior initiatives—such as Mittstråket (Trondheim – Sundsvall – Vasa), Barents, and Kvarken—may be incorporated in the process, with industrial needs also serving as a relevant input.

The next expert group meeting is scheduled for 16 September. It was agreed that cooperation with NTPC is valuable for determining which topics to prioritise, and actor mapping is currently underway.

Prioritized measure: Financing

The project seeks to develop a joint or coordinated application for the upcoming MFF (new CEF) in 2028, focusing on rail. A consultant will be hired to clarify the process. The results can be extrapolated to road and other transport modes.

A meeting was held recently with representatives from the Swedish CEF-secretariat, the Swedish transport administration, The Finnish transport infrastructure agency and Norwegian railway directorate to start the discussion.

The new MFF proposal allocates more funds than before, and military mobility will be important. The Umeå-Luleå-Oulu route is mentioned in the Annex, but some details remain unclear. Further information may be shared at a future workshop.

As Norway is not an EU member, it cannot receive CEF funding but may provide written support to applications.

Anyone interested in participating in the work can contact Henric.

Digital map

A digital map to visualize current and planned infrastructure projects was discussed. The Administrative coordinators will collect contacts regarding data and GIS from the different countries to investigate the potential and possibilities.

Cooperation with NTPC

NTPC is an organization with which cooperation is considered important. While there has been individual contact in the various countries, it has been determined that a formal and systematic exchange would be preferable. The Administrative coordinators will investigate if this can be arranged.

MoU of Platform North

The MoU is ready. It is expected to be signed by national governmental authorities, regional governmental authorities, politically governed regions, and business representative organizations operating in Northern Norway, Northern Finland and Northern Sweden. All participating organizations in the Steering committee are expected to sign, and then more organizations can join after this initial step. Ideally the MoU is signed at the highest possible organizational level.

Should the signing process commence soon, the joint initiative may be formally presented at the upcoming Platform North Forum. At that time, ministers or ministries could be invited to publicly express their endorsement during the event.

The Administrative Coordinators will make final preparations and then distribute the MoU for signing.

Workshop in Bodø 30-31 October cancelled

Since many committee members cannot attend, even digitally, the workshop has been cancelled. A one-day digital meeting may be considered, if necessary, due to scheduling conflicts. The Administrative coordinators will explore possible alternatives.

Next Platform North Forum meeting

Preliminary dates are 10-11 February or 3-4 March. The Swedish ministry has been contacted about participation. Hopefully, they can assist with inviting the Norwegian and Finnish ministers.

The New North project will have a final seminar preliminary in May. They offer to help with all practical matters with a Platform North forum in Finland, if it can be arranged in close proximity to their final seminar. They would like an answer by 16th of October.

An alternative option is to schedule Platform North in close alignment with Järnvägsforum Norr. The event is planned to take place in either Östersund or Åre, with preliminary dates set for 5–6 February or 12–13 February.

Prioritized measures: Joint transport plan

Work has started looking into three corridors:

• Narvik/Kiruna/Haparanda/Torneå/ Uleåborg / Kajana / Joensuu
• Umeå/Luleå/Haparanda/Torneå/Oulu
• Trondheim/Östersund/Sundsvall/Umeå/Vasa

Prioritized measures: Financing

There is a sense of urgency to support competitiveness as well as military needs. One aim is to prepare a large application for EU with a cross-border perspective for the new MFF available in 2028.

An expert meeting is booked for 2^nd September with representations from FTIA, Jernbanedirektoratet, CEF-secretariat at Trafikverket, and Trafikverket northern region.

Platform North was presented in Felles Council.

MoU of Platform North

It was concluded that it should be specified in the MoU that it will be possible to establish reference groups further on and that a similar representation from the countries are preferred.

Workshop in the Autumn for the Steering Committee

The dates and location have been confirmed as 30-31 October in Bodø. Members of the Steering Committee, one vice-person per regular member, the Administrative Coordinators, and leaders of Prioritized measures are invited to attend.

Henric Fuchs, Region Västernorrland, will replace Berit Eriksson in the Steering Committee.

Prioritized measure: Joint transport plan

Visualization work has begun for maps of planned rail and road projects, including resting areas along roads. The purpose is to assess the potential for dual-use of these resting areas, as staging areas may be required for defense purposes.

Finland is also examining the adoption of standard European rail gauge, with 20 million euros allocated for an initial track gauge study. The first area under consideration is from Haparanda/Torneå to Kemi, with possible extensions toward Oulu and Rovaniemi.

Prioritized measure: Information platform

Two Finnish representatives who works in communication have joined the expert group, one from Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA) and one from Lapland ELY-center. They will consider the most suitable future Finnish representation.

Preparations are underway for a draft communication plan for Platform North. Additionally, an update regarding the status of the Platform North collaboration is being prepared for distribution to the Platform North Forum participants.

Prioritized measure: Financing

Region Västernorrland will assume the role of leader for the financing group, as well as serve as the new Administrative Coordinator for Sweden. The individual who will take on this leadership position has not yet been appointed.

The group will focus on rail, and the three corridors 1) Narvik – east Finland, 2) Trondheim – Vasa and further, 3) along the Swedish and Finnish Bothnian coast. There have been meetings with rail experts so far from the different countries, further on contacts with experts on CEF applications from the national level organisations will be sought for.

The group will concentrate on rail across three corridors: Narvik to east Finland, Trondheim to Vasa and beyond, and the Swedish-Finnish Bothnian coast. Meetings have been held with rail experts from various countries, furthermore, consultations with experts on CEF applications from national-level organizations will also be pursued.

Discussions with the CEF Secretariat have indicated that it may be possible to establish “global projects”, which could encompass certain stretches and then to apply for projects within such a global project. The aim is to have a joint global project, and joint or coordinated applications.

Next Forum

The Forums are overseen by the chair. In order to allow adequate time for planning, the selection of the next chair should be determined before late autumn. Organizing a Forum in another country may present logistical challenges. The proposal to hold the Forum in connection with the New North project final seminar raises questions about the type of support the Regional Council of Lapland can provide. brings up questions regarding what the Regional Council of Lapland can assist with.

Jaakko Ylinampa replaces Jussi Huotari on the Steering Committee. Jussi Huotari remains Administrative Coordinator for Finland, leads the Joint Transport Plan, and serves as Jaakko Ylinampa's vice-person.

Prioritized measure: Joint transport plan

From a long-term perspective, the objective is to consolidate key interests and challenges identified in previous projects and initiatives in the North, thereby establishing a foundation for future collaboration. In the short term, the focus will be on analyzing resting areas, particularly within the TEN-T road network. This aligns with the requirements of the TEN-T regulation and may be of interest for dual-use purposes, serving both military and civilian needs. As an initial step, it is recommended to select one or two corridors for further study.

Prioritized measure: Financing

The main topic for the financing group is to identify potential sources of funding from the EU (such as CEF currently or MFF starting in 2028), NATO, or other alternative mechanisms. Aligning national plans with TEN-T regulations serves as a foundation for determining infrastructure gaps. The objectives are to:

• Prepare a larger EU application, either collaboratively or in partnership.
• Share experiences regarding alternative funding methods.
• Prioritize rail-related projects.

Prioritized measure: Information platform

The information group is led by Tor-Einar Schøning from Statens vegvesen. Meetings have taken place with Lena Nordung from Trafikverket (Sweden) and Jussi Huotari (Finland). A representative from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will assume the role of Finnish representative moving forward. The group's objectives are to:

• Provide an update on the status of Platform North collaboration for participants of The Platform North Forum, delivered as a news update or newsletter via email in May.
• Prepare a draft communication plan for Platform North during May.
• Maintain ongoing updates for the website.
• Further define the purpose and mandate of the information platform.

MoU of Platform North

There have been two rounds of comments on the MoU drafts, and Administrative Coordinators are reviewing round two feedback, which includes both minor clarifications and major proposed changes. The timeline for finalizing the MoU will be extended, and significant changes may require more comment rounds. Signing organizations should review the text thoroughly to ensure a smooth signing process. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency are positive towards signing an agreement.

Representing Platform North

It was decided that those who can represent Platform North at conferences or similar are the Steering Committee, Vice-persons for the Steering Committee and the Administrative Coordinators.

The Administrative coordinators should coordinate representations to get a good overview of what is presented and in which contexts. The Working Group information platform can be used for a professional approach.

Representation of Platform North at conferences or similar events is reserved for members of the Steering Committee, Vice-persons of the Steering Committee, and Administrative Coordinators. Administrative Coordinators are responsible for managing representations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of what has been presented and in which contexts.

Workshop

A proposal for an annual workshop for the Steering Committee was suggested during the MoU process and is now included in the MoU draft. The inaugural workshop took place in Spring 2024, followed by the Forum in Spring 2025. If Forums are to be held annually each spring, it may be appropriate to schedule the annual workshops during autumn. The Administrative Coordinators will develop and present a proposal regarding the program, timing, and location.

Next year's forum

The upcoming Forum may be organized in conjunction with the concluding seminar of the New North project.

Platform North Forum 12th-13th February 2025

Overall, the Forum is considered a success. The evaluation shows a positive response. The Menti results are useful input for further work.

During the meeting, it was noted that there was positive energy at the Forum. It was suggested that our work may accelerate cooperation, that plans should be better coordinated between countries, and that coordination with NTPC is necessary.

It was proposed that the results from Menti and the evaluation, together with photographs from the event and the presentations, could be published online. An email could be sent to Forum participants to maintain interest and inform them about the webpage.

Prioritized measure: Financing

EU funding instruments is challenging due to limited resources left in the current Multiannual Financial Framework. However, we will explore available options. We are discussing the next MFF (from 2028), but it is uncertain what kind of instruments there will be. We can collect facts and arguments to be prepared when new calls open. Meetings with other transport initiatives are planned to ensure coordination and avoid duplication. A small cross-border core group with representatives from Norway, Sweden and Finland will be established, bringing together the necessary expertise.

Prioritized measure: Joint Transport Plan

After the Forum in Luleå there have been held a couple of brainstorming meetings to plan future activities of the measure. It is critical that a literature review of ongoing activities in the region is conducted to avoid overlapping and duplication of work.

Discussions with FTIA and NTPC people have started and will continue in Narvik in New North seminar. It is agreed with FTIA to exchange information about future activities.

Hege Holltrö from Norwegian rail directorate will join the Joint transport plan working group.

Prioritized measure: Information working group

A Finnish representative is needed in the Information working group. Considering the representation from Norway and Sweden it would be suitable with a representative from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA).

Vice-persons in Preparatory Committee

It was agreed that each member of the Preparatory Committee needs to appoint a Vice-person. As we are a small group the representation is important at the meetings.

Vice-persons so far:

Hege Holltrö, Jernbanedirektoratet

Jan Fredrik Lund, Statens Vegvesen

Leadership of Platform North

It has earlier been agreed that the leadership of Platform North should shift between countries. Neither Norway nor Finland have currently stated an interest in taking over the leadership. It was suggested that Sweden perhaps could chair the first two years to achieve continuity.

It was proposed that next year’s Forum could be held in connection with the final seminar of the New North project, which ends next year.

These questions will be further discussed in the coming meeting.

Platform North Forum

There are currently 161 registered participants.

The following conclusions were reached:

• The Forum will take a Nordic, rather than single-country, approach.
• Maps should cover the whole geographic area.
• Work group leaders should present from a Nordic perspective, not solely from their respective organizations.
• Both completed work and future objectives may be presented.

Prioritized measures

There are still questions about what the prioritized measures should include. In the Steering Committee we have slides that show the basic statement for each group. Each group should clarify how they have developed these starting points. The groups are dependent on each other’s work; cooperation is therefore essential.

Other matters

Further clarification is required regarding the Finnish commitment from regional and national levels.

Following the Forum, meetings will be held monthly until summer. Topics for discussion include prioritized measures, contact persons, mandate, and chairmanship.

Platform North Forum

It was proposed that Nordkalottrådet be invited to provide comments on Platform North, subject to the availability of time on the agenda.

Prioritized measures: Generally

Ensuring representation from Norway, Finland, and Sweden in all three prioritized measures is necessary. Relevant experts should participate in the discussions. One approach could involve organizing a joint working group with members from each country for the prioritized measures. The leaders of the prioritized measures will need to determine how this can be implemented.

Prioritized measures: Joint transport plan

The leadership for this prioritized measure will be temporarily assumed by ELY Centre Lapland, with Jussi Huotari serving as the main contact. The Swedish transport administration will support the work with developing a GIS map containing selected infrastructure stretches, and projects in concerned transport plans. This will be a first step towards visualizing the current situation.

Prioritized measures: Financing

Financing is closely connected to the measure Joint transport plan. Three cross-border routes have been identified. A system analysis is proposed; however, an initial step could involve summarizing known shortcomings within the current transport system. Additional resources may be required to support an analysis in the future.

Other matters

Platform North has been invited to the ministries meeting for Norway, Sweden and Finland on the 9th of December to give a presentation about Platform North.

The financing of potential analyses or similar projects was discussed. Currently, none of the organizations have dedicated funds available for this purpose. The matter would have to be considered in upcoming budgets. It was noted that, given the relatively small amounts required from each organization, joint funding might be feasible. It was agreed that this question should be brought up when giving the presentation on the 9th of December. Securing national funding could ease a collective funding process and provide symbolic endorsement.

Commitment from the organizations and countries are important success factors for our work. If leadership organizations for the prioritized measures or administrative coordinators are unable to attend, they may designate an alternate representative to participate on their behalf.

Administrative coordinators

The Administrative coordinators are:

Norway: Trine Lise Hornæs

Finland: Jussi Huotari

Sweden: Lotta Rönström

Platform North Forum

The theme of the conference is “The importance of Nordic cooperation in the north, with focus on transport infrastructure”.

The save-the-date was sent to a mailing list by the administrative coordinators. Another round will go out soon to more addresses.

Some organizations want to share information about ongoing projects at the Forum, but the current agenda is full and focused on establishing Platform North. This could be considered for future forums. One possibility is to have a poster session as an option to inform about ongoing projects. This could be developed further in subsequent forums. For now, this year's priority must be the main agenda.

Prioritized measure: Financing

Leadership: North Sweden European Office

The Swedish working group has expanded to include regional strategic infrastructure planners. There is an identified need for the group to discuss with the Joint transport plan group, as these plans serve as a basis for financing discussions. To facilitate cooperation from a Nordic perspective, a working group with members from Norway, Sweden, and Finland is proposed. Administrative coordinators can assist in identifying suitable participants from each country. The larger Swedish group could function as a reference group.

Prioritized measure: Information platform

Leadership: Norwegian public roads administration

To facilitate cooperation from a Nordic perspective, a working group with members from Norway, Sweden, and Finland is proposed. Administrative coordinators can assist in identifying suitable participants from each country.

Website

Arranging a joint website will be very difficult for the Swedish transport administration, this is also the case for the other authorities.

How to proceed with prioritized measures

It is important that we can have broad engagement and responsibilities across countries. The first step is to establish a leading organization for each respective measure.

Prioritized measure: Financing

The Swedish group has held an initial meeting concerning the task. There is a need to broaden the working group. Administrative coordinators can assist in identifying appropriate participants from the various countries. Leadership: North Sweden European Office

Prioritized measure: Joint transport plan

Finland will follow up regarding which organization may assume leadership. Discussions are ongoing between regional and national levels about representation in Platform North. The work undertaken in the New North project is intended to serve as a starting point.

Prioritized measure: Information platform

The Norwegian group is committed to drive this task. Leadership: Norwegian public roads administration

Appoint an administrative coordinator from each country

Norway – Trine Lise Hornæs

Finland – Jussi Huotari

Sweden – The Swedish representatives proposed the Swedish Transport Administration (STA); however, since STA is already extensively involved, an alternative organization was requested. The Swedish representatives will provide the name of an appointed person when available.

Forum Planning Status

The proposed conference theme is: “The importance of Nordic cooperation in the north, with focus on transport infrastructure”

Website

The Swedish Transport Administration is currently exploring options for developing a joint website. In the interim, each organisation will continue to provide information through their respective websites.

Organizational Structure of Platform North

A written agreement is needed, so work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will proceed. The aim is to present a signed MoU at the Forum, with the draft to be reviewed by administrative coordinators.

Other matters

Platform North only discusses open data, but military mobility remains relevant due to its impact on transport and infrastructure needs. As a core element of CEF, effective collaboration with NTPC (formerly FISENODE) is necessary. NTPC has been invited to the Forum to outline their work and help distinguish between the initiatives.

The participating organizations from the different countries should have a comparable composition to support balance and collaboration. In this context, an increased representation from the Norwegian regions is desirable.

How to proceed with prioritized measures – content/leadership

It is important that we can have a broad engagement and responsibilities across countries. North Sweden European Office is suggested as leadership for the working group on Financing. Finland is suggested as leadership for the working group on a Joint transport plan.

Forum planning – status

The transport ministers of Norway, Sweden and Finland will be invited to the forum.

Invitations to participate in Platform North and the forum

The forum will be open to anyone, and invitations will be sent from the administrative coordinators to presumed interested parties.

Platform North should have a Memorandum of Understanding. This will make it easier for other organizations to understand what Platform North is doing, and thus easier to know if they have an interest in participating, and how they can participate.

National governmental authorities, Regional governmental authorities, Regions and Business representative organizations are eligible to participate as driving organizations in Platform North and sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

Ambition of Platform North

The ambition of Platform North is to be an umbrella cooperation for exchange of information, to enhance a system perspective, and to coordinate and collaborate efforts for development, as there are several ongoing initiatives within the Northern Nordics.

Contact with ministries

The Norwegian Ministry intends to fully participate in the Platform North initiative. This is based on the provided material from the workshop in May that has been discussed with the Ministry. To fully consider the participation they would like a written invitation. Further discussions are planned for 15th of August 2024.

The Swedish Ministry is informed. They are not driving participants, but they are interested in the development of the initiative. The Finnish Ministry is also informed.

Structure/ organization of Platform North

Platform North should ensure balanced participation from both national and regional authorities as well as business representatives. Additionally, the makeup of participants should be similar between countries.

There will be one administrative contact from each country, but no one has been appointed yet.

Twelve representatives, four per country, have been proposed for the Preparatory Committee, with a good mix geographically and between organizations. National governmental authorities, Regional governmental authorities, Regions, Business representative organizations are represented. There are options to rotate participation yearly, through a nomination process administrated by the administrative coordinator in each country respectively.

How to proceed with prioritized measures/working groups

There are three prioritized measures in Platform North: Financing, Joint transport plan and Information platform. (Should I elaborate on these measures)

Planning for a Forum

Dates for a forum are set for 12th-13th of February 2025 in Luleå. Both EU coordinators from ScanMed and NSB corridors will co-chair the meeting.