Welcome to the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas
The regions of northern Finland, Norway and Sweden have many common circumstances such as sparse population, harsh climate and long distances. This part of Europe is also specifically affected by globalisation, energy-supply, climate change and demographic change. The region has a population density of only 4.9 inhabitants per km2, something that cannot be found in any other part of the European Union.
The NSPA network consists of 14 regions in three countries sharing common circumstances and objectives, working together to raise awareness of the region in the EU institutions, influence EU policy and to provide a platform for best practise.
For more information please contact one of our five EU-offices in Brussels or email us on info@nspa-network.eu.
Our documents
Summary political position on the future cohesion policy
Political position on the future cohesion policy
Report: Northern Sparsely Populated Areas Foresight 2020
News
OPEN DAYS 2010: Register for the NSPA workshop
06 July 2010
We hope you would like to participate in our event and learn more how the experience and resources from the North can contribute to a prosperous and sustainable Europe.
Dialogue meeting with Intergroup 174
12 May 2010
The European Union’s future policy on territorial cohesion was on the agenda when the "Intergroup Mountain, Island and Sparsely Populated Regions" on Tuesday 4th May invited to a dialogue meeting in the European Parliament. The NSPA was invited to present how the NSPA positions itself for the future EU regional policy. Mr. Stein Ovesen, director of North Norway European Office, reports from the meeting.
OPEN DAYS 2010: Northern Sparsely Populated Areas - strong, specific and promising
27 April 2010
The network will arrange a workshop during this year's Open Days showcasing the added value that the NSPA region brings to Europe.
NSPAs unique cooperation praised by DG Regio
28 January 2010
A political delegation from northern Finland, Norway and Sweden has presented its political position on the future cohesion policy to Mr Dirk Ahner, Director General at DG Regional Policy, European Commission.
NSPA Forum 15 December in Kiruna
11 November 2009
This first ever forum for the NSPA region aims to agree a joint political position for the NSPA-region concerning the future cohesion policy for 2014 onwards.
Barents cooperation and energy efficiency in focus at NSPA seminar
09 October 2009
The two seminars organised by the NSPA at Open days both had a good turnout and made way for many discussions and networking opportunities. See the event report and presentations.
Strong, specific and promising - NSPA publish report as basis for joint position for the future of the region
21 September 2009
The report Northern Sparsely Populated Areas Foresight 2020, produced by Nordregio and commissioned by the NSPA network, has now been published. The dialogue continues in the region to create a joint position using the report as a basis.
Register for Open Days workshops
06 July 2009
Registration is now open for the Open Days workshops. The NSPA network together with Iceland are organising two workshops on Tuesday 6th October.
NSPA and Iceland at Open Days
03 April 2009
NSPA together with Iceland will participate in this year’s Open Days.
Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion
27 February 2009
NSPA submits viewpoints for the Consultation on the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion to European Commission DG Regional Policy.
Comments on the Baltic Sea Strategy
31 December 2008
The NSPA network submits its comments on the Baltic Sea Strategy.