Funded by the Interreg Aurora Programme (Priority 4: Better and More Sustainable Cross-Border Cooperation, ISO6.6)
The Rediscover Blue Way project, officially launched under the Interreg Aurora Programme, aims to revitalize and strengthen cooperation along the historic Blue Road (Sininen tie – Blå Vägen). This small-scale project, led by Lappajärvi Invest Oy (Finland) in partnership with Blå Vägen Association (Sweden), will run from August 2025 to August 2026.
With a total project budget of €40,000, the initiative is financed through a mix of EU support (65%), public co-financing, and partner contributions. The confirmed financiers include Interreg Aurora, Lappajärvi Invest Oy, and public co-funding from regional actors, such as Region Västerbotten (Sweden) and Lapin Liitto (Finland)
Revitalizing a Historic Cross-Border Route
The Blue Road, historically connecting Finland, Sweden, and Norway, has gradually lost visibility as a cultural and tourism route. While in Finland the route remains a tourism corridor, Sweden’s focus has shifted more toward infrastructure and transport. As a result, cooperation has weakened, limiting opportunities for sustainable regional development, tourism promotion, and cultural exchange.
The Rediscover Blue Way project addresses this by:
Building a governance model for long-term cross-border cooperation.
Engaging stakeholders from municipalities, tourism associations, and local entrepreneurs.
Identifying and solving administrative barriers that hinder cross-border collaboration.
Developing a joint action plan to secure future EU and national funding for the network.
Project Goals and Activities
By the end of the project, partners will deliver:
- A formal cooperation agreement between Sininen tie ry (Finland) and Blå Vägen Association (Sweden).
- A joint action plan defining strategic goals, governance, and funding opportunities.
- Solutions to at least two administrative or legal obstacles affecting cooperation.
- A strengthened cross-border network of at least three active partner organizations.
Key activities include:
- A kick-off meeting and stakeholder activation workshops.
- A two-day governance workshop aboard a cruise, supplemented by online meetings.
- Expert guidance in governance and strategy design.
- Communication through websites, social media, press releases, and regional media
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
- The project integrates environmental, social, and economic sustainability into its design:
- Environmental: Promoting eco-friendly transport and preserving natural/cultural heritage.
- Social: Strengthening regional identity, cultural exchange, and inclusivity in decision-making.
- Economic: Supporting tourism entrepreneurs and laying foundations for future investments.
An exit strategy ensures results endure beyond the project period: formalized agreements, institutionalized governance, and a roadmap for further EU and national funding.
Conclusion
The Rediscover Blue Way project demonstrates how EU support through the Interreg Aurora Programme enables small but impactful initiatives. By revitalizing the historic Blue Road, the project not only enhances sustainable tourism but also strengthens cross-border cooperation, regional identity, and long-term economic opportunities for communities in both Finland and Sweden.
Lead Partner: Lappajärvi Invest Oy (Finland)
Project Partner: Blå Vägen Association (Sweden)
Cooperation Partner: Sininen tie ry (Finland)
Funding: Interreg Aurora Programme, with co-financing from Lapin liitto ( Finland), Region Västerbotten (Sweden), and project partners