New Memorandum of Understanding strengthens cooperation between Helsinki-Uusimaa and Harju
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council and The Union of Harju County Municipalities signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Tallinn on 30 December 2022. The cooperation aims to increase the international attractiveness and accessibility of both the regions and contributes to integrating them more tightly together.
The main topics for cooperation defined in the MoU of these growing metropolitan regions are the integration of the innovation ecosystems, the promotion of infrastructure and mobility solutions, sustainability and climate challenges and solutions, as well as resilience and civil protection.
The memorandum strengthens the international competitiveness of the macroregion. The existing Memorandum of Understanding between the cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, and the Memorandum of Understanding on transport between the Government of Finland and the Government of Estonia further create preconditions for increased cooperation also on the regional level.
– The metropolitan regions of Helsinki-Uusimaa and Harju are more attractive together than on their own. The Memorandum of Understanding increases the cooperation on transport of people and goods, innovations and sustainable solutions between the regions, says Ossi Savolainen, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa.
Action plan will specify prioritised cooperation measures
Based on the MoU, an action plan will be drafted to specify concrete cooperation measures. In practice, the cooperation will focus on exchanging experiences and knowledge, and possible joint projects. The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council and The Union of Harju County Municipalities will also encourage municipalities and other actors in their own regions to cooperate across the national borders.
– In addition to our regional actors, we also hope to engage ministries, the capital cities and other significant actors in our action plan and cooperation projects. The memorandum is a good continuation for an increased cooperation between our regions, says Andrus Umboja, Chairman of the board of the Union of Harju County Municipalities.
The MoU was signed on New Year’s Eve’s Eve, in connection to the traditional Harju County Ball held at the Estonian National Opera; at the Estonia theatre.
– The choice of location for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding also symbolises the long-lasting cooperation between our regions and countries, for instance in the field of culture. The theatre building was designed by the Finnish architects Armas Lindgren and Wivi Lönn in the early 1900s, and also the first Estonian Parliament assembled in the concert hall of the theatre, Andrus Umboja adds.
For more information, The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council:
Ilona Mansikka
Manager, Regional Planning
ilona.mansikka@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Development of regional land use planning, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Land Use Plan 2050. Areas of responsibility in regional land use planning: Espoo, Helsinki, Kaunainen, Vantaa. Deputy for Director of Regional Planning Mari Siivola
For more information, The Union of Harju County Municipalities:
Kaarel Kose, International Cooperation Adviser at Union of Harju County Municipalities, contact information, kaarel.kose@hol.ee, +372 52 08 480
Tiina Beldsinsky, Development Advisor at Union of Harju County Municipalities, contact information tiina.beldsinsky@hol.ee, +372 53 913 295
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