Island policy

Island policy is one of the oldest elements of organised regional policy in Finland. The Government appointed a long-term committee to address issues relating to islands as early as in 1949. 

Today’s island policy is based on the Island Development Act adopted in 1981. Island policy highlights the island areas and their special characteristics in decision-making processes.

The aim is to ensure smooth everyday living and a good life in island areas for both permanent and holiday residents. The key priorities of island policy are: 1) Connections and mobility, 2) Livelihoods and services 3) Island culture, 4) Nature and the environment.

The work to develop island policy is carried out by the Parliamentary Island Committee (SANK) and its secretariat, which are appointed by the Government for one electoral term at a time. Island policy is implemented through archipelago programmes.

Related links

Islandpolicy.fi