Vitality centers are starting – What does the regional administration reform mean for environmental tasks?

(For subscribers.) The major reform of the state regional administration will transform the ELY centres into ten vitality centres at the beginning of 2026. At the same time, the operations of the current 15 ELY centres will end. Approximately two thousand regional administration employees will transfer from the ELY centres to vitality centres and continue their duties in the new structure. Approximately 650 employees performing environmental tasks will mainly transfer to the new Permit and Supervision Agency and 26 people to Traficom. The aim of the reform is to strengthen the vitality of the regions, streamline permit processes and harmonise supervision. Environmental tasks will be transferred to the new Permit and Supervision Agency. One significant part of the reform is that the new Permit and Supervision Agency will start operating at the beginning of the year. The tasks of the Permit and Supervision Agency concern the social and health sectors, environmental matters, occupational safety and health, rescue services, preparedness, education, culture and early childhood education, as well as business activities in certain sectors. The agency has offices in 18 locations. The head office is located in Tampere. The new agency has approximately two thousand personnel. The tasks of the environment and natural resources area of ​​responsibility of the ELY Centres will be transferred to the Licensing and Supervision Agency, including licensing, guidance, planning and supervision tasks in environmental protection, nature conservation, land use, construction, water and marine management, licensing and supervision tasks in water management matters, and tasks related to environmental impact assessment. Towards a one-stop shop model...