Technical Regional Forum: Transition and skills development in peatlands in the Baltic Sea Region

The event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss how the peat phase-out can become a driver for innovation, green employment, and new forms of regional cooperation.

The Technical Regional Forum will feature panels, hands-on workshops, and a site visit, gathering about 120 participants to exchange practical experiences and strategies on how to repurpose peatlands and transform peat-dependent regions into sustainable and diverse economies. You can find a short preview of the draft agenda below.

Day 1 – 18 March 2026

10:00–10:30    Welcome and scene setting from the European Commission & Ministry of Employment and Economic Affairs
Moderator: Karen-Marie Sandgreen, Director, Nordic Energy Corporation
Eva Nussmüller, DG REGIO, European Commission
Johanna Osenius, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Finland

10:30–11:00    Framing speeches: How transition can unlock systemic change across environmental, economic and social dimensions
Padraig Boland, Further Education and Training (FET) Skills Manager at Laois & Offaly ETB, Ireland
TBC

11:00–12:30    Panel discussion: Financing mechanisms for transition in the Baltic Sea Region
Matti Maajärvi, Development Manager, TAPIO Oy, Finland
Tilmann Disselhoff, NABU Climate Fund, Germany
Michael Højholdt, SEGES, Denmark
TBC

12:30–13:30    Lunch 

13:30–14:45    Case studies: Different transformation pathways -  Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Germany, Lithuania
Anni Hintikka, Jamk University of Applied Science, Finland
Priya Polland, Mount Lucas Bioeconomy Aquaculture Initiative, Ireland
Frank Bondegaard, SEGES, Denmark
TBC
TBC

14:45–15:15    Coffee break

15:15–16:40    Workshop on key aspects of transitions (financing, land ownership, renewable energy)

16:40–17:00    Closing and outlook on Day 2
Pekka Jounila, DG REGIO, European Commission

17:00–18:00    Informal dinner and networking

 

Day 2 – 19 March 2026

09:15              Pick up for site visit 
Meeting location: in front of Hotel Arthur 
(Vuorikatu 19, 00100 Helsinki, Finland)

09:30–10:00    Transfer to site visit
10:00–12:00    Site visit: Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences featuring an ERDF project, Digi+Carbonless 2.0.
The site visit will also feature two JTF projects from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, RUOTI & LISÄ.
Digi+Carbonless 2.0: Supports SMEs in Uusimaa’s tourism industry with circular economy and digital-green transition, emphasizing business network development and advancing national sustainable tourism objectives.
RUOTI: Focuses on regenerative methods to enhance wellbeing and tourism, supporting nature, communities, and regional vitality.
LISÄ: Develops quality nature-based wellbeing services with local partners and promotes nature's role in regional wellbeing and rural development.

12:00–12:30    Transfer to venue

12:30–13:30    Lunch
Hotel Arthur

13:30–14:30    Panel discussion: Collaboration across regions and governance levels for successful transition in the Baltic Sea Region
Moderator: Karen-Marie Sandgreen, Director, Nordic Energy Corporation
Laila Gercane, Head of Development and Project, Vidzeme Planning Region, Latvia
Knud Tybrik, Project manager, Samsoe Municipality, Denmark (TBC – confirmed online)
TBC

14:30–15:30   TBC

15:30–16:00   Networking through coffee & snacks

 

Why should you join? The Technical Regional Forum on peat regions is a unique opportunity to explore how territories facing peatland-related challenges are navigating the just transition process. This event is not to be missed, as it also provides a platform for all participants to share their experiences and lessons learned. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, we ensure that all needs and questions are thoroughly addressed. By participating, you will gain insights into innovative approaches, exchange lessons learned and contribute to shaping strategies that balance environmental goals with social and economic needs.

The event is co-organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland and JTP Groundwork, one of the capacity-building services of the Just Transition Platform, on behalf of the European Commission Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy.

Register now – If you can join us in person in Helsinki, please register using this link: Registration | Technical Regional Forum in Helsinki | 18 and 19 March 2026  – Fill in form. 

As the number of participants at the TRF is limited, we kindly request your registration as soon as possible. Please note that the event is going to be held in-person and in English.