According to the Finnish Law of Regional Development, the Council acts as a regional development authority.
The main objective of this task is to support the independent and continuous development of the region, improve the living conditions of the population, and ensure the structures necessary for economic development. In all activities, ecological aspects are taken into account.
As a regional authority, the Council draws up strategies to define the goals and measures for different development plans. The measures outlined in these strategies include efficient cooperation with various regional actors and decision-makers, as well as with other regional authorities.
The Council acts as an intermediate body for EU cohesion policy funding and national regional development funding, and is responsible for regional land use planning.
Regional development funding
The Regional Council acts as an intermediate body for the Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 Programme. The Council grants funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for development projects that promote local and regional development, sustainable growth, and regional vitality. Furthermore, the Council provides grant support for sustainable urban development (SUD) projects. In addition to EU funding, the Council also grants support from national funding instruments that promote regional development.
Regional land use planning
The regional plan consists of a general land-use plan for different purposes within the region. It guides municipal land-use planning as well as land use in general. When drawing up the regional plan, factors such as transport, municipal infrastructure, agriculture, and shoreline use are taken into account. The regional plan is a coordinating planning instrument between central and local administrative levels, and it is ultimately approved by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment.
The Regional Land Use Plan of South Karelia is a general plan that defines the spatial structure and land-use patterns for the entire South Karelia region, in accordance with Finland’s Land Use and Building Act. The plan is an important tool for regional development and planning. It primarily defines areas reserved for development, designated green areas, and vital infrastructure, including transport routes and municipal services. The final plan was confirmed by the Ministry of the Environment in December 2011.