Director of the Helsinki EU Office Mr Janne Leino appointed to the Management team of the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council
The Uusimaa Regional Council has restructured its management team, appointing Janne Leino, Director of the Helsinki EU Office, as a new member. This change aims to strengthen EU-level advocacy and enhance cooperation among regional stakeholders. As the Helsinki EU Office is administratively part of the Uusimaa Regional Council, it is natural for its director to be part of the management team. This ensures swift communication between Brussels and the region.
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council and Europe
Uusimaa is Finland’s most populous region, home to over 1.8 million residents. It is ranked as Europe’s second most innovative region. The Uusimaa Regional Council aspires to make the region the most innovative in Europe by strengthening its competitiveness and promoting sustainable development and wellbeing particularly through the following objectives:
Helsinki-Uusimaa’s Vision for 2030 (you are switching to another service)
-Achieve climate neutrality by 2030
-Increase research and development investments to 5% of the region’s GDP
-Reach an employment rate of 80% by the end of 2030
Key partners in achieving these goals include municipalities, higher education institutions, secondary schools, civil society organisations, business associations, and other regional stakeholders. The programme will be implemented through collaboration, advocacy, and partnerships. To reach these goals the Uusimaa Regional Council is committed to deepening cooperation between stakeholders.
The Role of the Management Team
One of the main tasks of the newly restructured management team is to strengthen the region’s voice in EU decision-making processes and support Helsinki-Uusimaa’s role in European discussions. This is critical in advancing the region’s ambitious goals.
Tuija Telén, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa
“With this restructuring, we aim to strengthen the EU expertise of the Uusimaa Regional Council and more closely integrate regional actors into EU advocacy. Our goal is to be a solution-oriented player in Brussels and ensure that Helsinki-Uusimaa’s voice is heard when EU legislation and funding programmes are being formulated.”
Janne Leino, Director of the Helsinki EU Office, commenting on his appointment:
“I am delighted to join the management team. Helsinki-Uusimaa is Europe’s second most innovative region, and our goal is to become the most innovative. Achieving this will require extensive cooperation between the region, cities, higher education institutions, and research institutes. As Director of the Helsinki EU Office, I am proud to represent several of these partners in Brussels. Together with our Finnish and European counterparts, we will work to influence the forthcoming Commission’s initiatives, ensuring that the region’s specific needs and proposed solutions are heard.”