City of Tornio
Finland
Roger Danell
Director
City of Haparanda
Sweden
In the northern reaches of Europe lie the neighboring cities of Tornio in Finland and Haparanda in Sweden. Here, a dynamic and bustling land border emerges as the crossroads between the East and West, witnessing over 14 million border crossings each year. The Tornio River, which meanders into the Gulf of Bothnia, serves as the natural demarcation between these two nations in this region.
Haparanda and Tornio synergistically form a geographic logistics hub, primed for a green transformation that can propel their travel prospects. Looking ahead to 2024, a fully electrified rail-road connection is set to bridge Finland and Sweden, establishing an environmentally conscious transit route from Helsinki to Stockholm and Narvik. The convenience of four nearby airports—Kemi-Tornio, Rovaniemi, Oulu, and Luleå—guarantees swift global accessibility. Additionally, the sea-ports in Röyttä and Luleå stand as major conduits for the distribution of dry-bulk goods to a worldwide market.
These cities boast two prominent employers: Ikea in Haparanda and Outokumpu in Tornio. Together, they constitute a vibrant northern hub for commerce, resonating with a shopping index of 314. Circular economy initiatives and renewable energy pursuits take center stage, evident in endeavors involving wind and solar power, a biogas refinery, and substantial investments in the northern landscapes of Sweden and Finland.
The distinctive geographical positioning of Haparanda and Tornio begets a significant influence, affording access to the commercial arenas of three distinct countries—Sweden, Finland, and Norway. Notably, the municipalities of Haparanda and Tornio account for around 31,000 inhabitants, forming an available local target demographic. Moreover, within a 500-kilometer radius, the surrounding areas encompass approximately 1 million individuals, creating a vibrant and extensive market.
A myriad of educational opportunities enriches the region. Within a 90-minute travel range, the universities of Lapland, Luleå, and Oulu beckon. Tornio proudly hosts two campuses—the University of Applied Sciences and the Vocational School of Lappia. Similarly, Haparanda offers a Folk High School, while Kalix's equivalent lies a mere 50 km away. The collaborative educational center, Utbildning Nord, catering to students from Finland, Norway, and Sweden, finds its home in the neighboring municipality of Övertorneå.
The historical significance of the border cannot be understated, shaped by geopolitical shifts spanning centuries as Sweden and Finland's borders evolved. A vivid example is the division of the village of Kukkola in 1809, an occurrence that did not sever the shared fishing culture and the enduring use of meänkieli, a common language that spans both sides of the Torne Valley. The distinct fishing technique of dipnetting or "lippous" is on track to attain recognition as a bilateral candidate on UNESCO's intangible heritage list. Unified by the Provincial Museum of Torne Valley, situated in Tornio, the cultural landscape seamlessly blends Swedish, Finnish, and local traditions.
Inhabitants of these cities traverse the border daily for work, education, shopping, family engagements, and leisure pursuits. This border activity extends to encompass tourism, work-related commuting to construction sites and industries in northern Sweden, as well as the regular transportation of goods.
The cooperative bond between Haparanda and Tornio traces its roots back to 1987 when a foundational agreement was signed, although informal collaboration had existed since the 1960s. The core mission remains centered on fostering, intensifying, and expanding the partnership between the two cities. To actualize these aspirations, the cities engage with both national and international partners across various projects. Additional agreements, such as a joint sewage treatment plant in Haparanda and a nursery agreement allowing parents from either city/country to enroll their children in the neighboring city/country's nursery, underscore their shared commitment to collaboration. Guiding this joint endeavor is a cross-border development specialist, jointly employed by both cities, tasked with overseeing and enhancing collaborative projects. Consistent interaction between the City boards, City councils, and a supervisory cooperation board further cements this alliance.
This cooperative relationship brings forth both advantages and challenges. Distinct laws and regulations between the two countries necessitate a delicate balance, while global crises such as the recent pandemic can engender distinct responses. Notably, the pandemic's impact served as a poignant reminder of the border city's vulnerability to external factors.
The Twin City cooperation stands as a local heritage in itself, and these cities are resolutely exploring novel avenues to deepen and advance their collaboration, foreseeing its role in meeting future needs.