The event “Kymenlaakso: competitiveness, security, and resilience in healthcare” organised by CoR member Carina Jäntti (FI/ECR) at Kotka Main Library (Kirkkokatu 24, 48100 Kotka) brings together key decision‑makers, experts, and business representatives from across the region to discuss Kymenlaakso’s resilience and competitiveness, as well as ways to secure welfare services in a rapidly changing operating environment.
Through two focused panel discussions, the event will explore the region’s strengths, development trends, and potential solutions to future challenges. At the same time, the panels will reflect on broader EU‑level economic and security trends and the role the EU can play in further strengthening Kymenlaakso’s competitiveness and security.
Panel 1: Kymenlaakso's competitiveness and security
This panel will examine how Kymenlaakso can enhance its vitality and long‑term sustainability from economic, security, and regional cooperation perspectives. Speakers will consider how the region can adapt to structural changes and leverage its unique location, skills, and expertise as competitive advantages.
Panel 2: Resilience in healthcare – challenges in organizing services for an aging and declining population
The second panel will address one of the most pressing issues for welfare regions today: ensuring high‑quality, equitable healthcare in the face of an aging population and increasingly limited resources. The discussion will explore solutions related to service accessibility, sufficient staffing, and structural reform—along with what forms of support EU‑level measures could provide.