The ACCESS project (Aurora Cross-border Coalition for Eastern Strategy and Solutions) focuses on the geoeconomic transition of the North-East European region. The aim is to strengthen the competence and capacity of regional and local authorities and stakeholders to guide local economies in changing operating environments.

Key objectives:

• Strengthening regional vitality and resilience
• Deepening cross-border cooperation (CBC)
• Enhancing the operating conditions and competences of local companies
• Integrating production into broader supply and value chains

The Northern Frontier Declaration, implemented within the project, supports the project’s vision by promoting a safe and prosperous future and creating a foundation for utilizing the geoeconomic changes in the border regions.

The project is carried out through three work packages:

1. Building capacities to support sustainable development and safe living
2. Developing strategies and action plans to guide cross-border cooperation
3. Communication and visibility efforts to improve understanding of geoeconomic impacts and opportunities

The project consortium includes Naturpolis (Koillismaa), the Regional Council of Lapland, and the Municipality of Nesseby in East Finnmark, Norway, with associated partners Barents Road (Sweden) and the Barents Secretariat (Norway). The project is administered by the Local Federation of East Lapland.