Haparanda-Tornio
Overview
The move to cross-border cooperation
The cross-border cooperation between Tornio and Haparanda is one of the most successful examples in Europe. The two municipalities commenced their collaboration in the 1960s particularly in the fields of education and culture. Following the first positive results the local authorities expanded the cooperation to other sectors: the economy, tourism, commerce and the environment.
Furthermore Tornio and Haparanda have signed numerous agreements regarding the combining of public services and facilities: the swimming pool in Haparanda (1960), wastewater treatment and waste management (1976), sludge treatment (1990) and emergency, fire and rescue services (1993). A joint tourist office was created in 1998 and action has been taken jointly to improve the social integration of the inhabitants and develop the feeling of belonging to the cross-border area. The implementation of this cooperation has been very much facilitated by the cultural proximity between the two municipalities.
In 1987 the two cities decided to formalise their cooperation by creating the cross-border association ‘Provincia Bothniensis’, which has since become the key player in cross-border activities in the territory. In 2006 the two cities decided to adopt a joint name – ‘Tornio-Haparanda’ – and a shared logo.
The Tornio-Haparanda conurbation has set new objectives within the framework of the “Europe 2020” strategy. Supported by the Interreg IV A North operational programme (2007-2013), cross-border projects have been developed in the areas of education, training, employment and the environment.
