Geological Survey of Finland Passes EU Pillar Assessment as First Finnish Research Organisation and European Geoscience Actor
The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) has achieved significant international recognition by passing the European Union’s pillar assessment as the first Finnish research organisation and, at the same time, as the first European geoscience organisation. The pillar assessment strengthens Finland’s and GTK’s position in international research and development cooperation.
The pillar assessment is a comprehensive evaluation process carried out by an external evaluator for the European Commission to ensure that an applicant organisation complies with strict EU standards for financial management, risk management and control.
The assessment covers, among other things, internal control, accounting, procurement procedures and principles of responsibility. In Finland, only five organisations have previously passed the pillar assessment.
Finnish geoscientific expertise recognised worldwide
Approval in the pillar assessment demonstrates the ability to manage extensive international projects efficiently and reliably, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the European Union. This also recognises GTK’s ongoing commitment to continuous development. In the future, the European Commission can allocate funding directly to GTK to be managed without a separate competitive tendering process.
“Our successful application opens new opportunities to lead major EU-funded international programmes in the EU’s partner countries. It is a sign of trust and further strengthens Finland’s role in international cooperation as a European research organisation,” says Saku Vuori, Director General of the Geological Survey of Finland.
The pillar assessment creates opportunities for even closer collaboration with other research institutes, universities, companies, and public-sector organisations across Europe and globally.
“The EU has an ambitious worldwide investment strategy called Global Gateway. Implementing it requires the expertise of GTK, our European partners, and businesses in critical minerals, the circular economy, clean water supply, data management, and complex environmental issues. We are eager and ready to embrace these new challenges with confidence and determination,” says Saku Vuori.
Further information
Saku Vuori, Director General
Geological Survey of Finland (GTK)
Tel. +358 29 503 0216
saku.vuori@gtk.fi
