Hamina and Virolahti municipal merger report
The merger of Hamina and Virolahti municipalities has collapsed. The Virolahti municipal council rejected the merger agreement at its meeting on 7 May 2024 by a vote of 14-7. At the same time, the Hamina city council meeting, held at the same time, 35 out of 43 councilors supported the agreement.
In order to be implemented, the merger of Hamina and Virolahti would have required a positive, identical decision by the councils of both municipalities. The previous merger project between Hamina and Virolahti failed in 2011.
Announcement 7.5.2024: The municipal merger of Hamina and Virolahti has collapsed.
Announcement 22.4.2024: The Hamina and Virolahti municipal association took a step back
Documents available for viewing in the municipal merger report:
Starting points and goal of the municipal merger report
The possibility of a municipal merger between Hamina and Virolahti was last investigated in 2011. Since then, one of the most significant public administration reforms has been made, when on 1 January 2023, responsibility for organizing social and health services and rescue services was transferred to the Kymenlaakso welfare region.
The next municipal elections will be held in spring 2025 and the new council term will begin on June 1, 2025. This date was also taken into account when conducting the municipal merger study.
The aim of the municipal association study was to determine whether, as a single municipality or city, there is an opportunity to better respond to the future challenges of municipalities and to better organize the services and financing needed by the residents of the region in the longer term. The study was also supported by the regions' common economic challenges and the aging population.
The municipal merger report was prepared by the municipal merger report. executive team, steering group and different areas of responsibility work pairs/groups.
FCG Finnish Consulting Group Oy provided expert support in the municipal association study. In cooperation with the municipalities, it produced analyses to support the decision.
NEWSLETTERS
Announcement 7.5.2024: The municipal merger of Hamina and Virolahti has collapsed.
Announcement 22.4.2024: The Hamina and Virolahti municipal association took a step back
Announcement 19.4.2024: Hamina and Virolahti municipal association to be evaluated by governments
Announcement 14.3.2024: Hamina and Virolahti municipal merger report to be heard by the residents
Video recording of the Hamina municipal event on March 6, 2024
Management team meeting bulletin 7.2.2024: If the municipal merger takes place, Virolahti will be merged with Hamina
Steering group meeting bulletin 25.1.2024: The Hamina and Virolahti municipal merger study is progressing, the working groups' reports have been completed
Steering group meeting bulletin 18.10.2023: The study of the merger of Hamina and Virolahti municipalities has begun.
Discuss municipal merger
You can provide feedback and comments on the municipal merger report to the City of Hamina. feedback service and the municipality of Virolahti feedback form .