Economic Development Centres

Finland’s regional government reform has introduced new regional Economic Development Centres, which bring together key tasks related to business, the environment and regional development, and strengthen the effectiveness of the central government’s regional administration.

As part of the regional government reform, the regional Economic Development Centres began operations on 1 January 2026. The Economic Development Centres handle, among other things, tasks related to business, rural development, transport, the environment and natural resources. Their operations are based on a multidisciplinary approach, with the aim of strengthening the central government’s development and funding activities both within the Economic Development Centres and through regional partnership cooperation.

The Economic Development Centres carry out the majority of the former ELY Centres’ tasks. Environmental tasks related to permitting and supervision were transferred from the ELY Centres to the Finnish Supervisory Agency as part of the regional government reform. In contrast, tasks transferred to the Economic Development Centres include, for example, the promotion of water and marine management measures, as well as the promotion of biodiversity and climate action.

The Environmental Customer Service Centre responds to questions related to environmental matters and provides advisory services. Customer advisors offer guidance, for example, on how to initiate a water body restoration project.

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