Maakuntaliitot

Maakuntaliitot are voluntary joint municipal authorities in Finland, created by municipalities within a defined region (maakunta) to promote regional cooperation and development. They are legal entities separate from the municipalities that belong to them and operate to coordinate cross-border tasks that are more effective at the regional level.

Each region has a maakuntaliitto, governed by a maakuntaneuvosto (regional council) elected by the member municipalities. The council appoints a chair and an executive body and oversees the organization’s administration. The structure enables municipalities to pool resources and align strategies beyond their individual borders.

The core functions of maakuntaliitot include regional development and planning, coordination of cross-municipal activities, and support for regional land-use planning through maakuntakaava (regional master plan). They act as forums for cooperation on transport and infrastructure, environment, culture, economy, and other issues that span municipal boundaries. They may also participate in the implementation of EU-funded regional development programs and provide services or expertise that benefit the region as a whole.

Funding for maakuntaliitot primarily comes from contributions by member municipalities, supplemented by state funding and EU funds designated for regional development. They do not replace local government responsibilities but serve to enhance coordination, efficiency, and strategic planning at the regional level.

There are maakuntaliitot for each Finnish region, roughly corresponding to the 19 maakunnat. They represent a structured form of intermunicipal cooperation aimed at promoting balanced regional growth and sustainable development.