Two years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Torne River valley and learning about the plans to restore fish migration past the barriers in this river. Today, I am delighted to return and see that those plans have become reality.

The fish ladder is now in place and ready to make a real difference. It provides salmon and sea trout with a route upstream, and the opportunity to reclaim the entire river system for spawning. This is a significant achievement, and I congratulate everyone whose hard work made it possible.

However, we all know that restoring a river is about more than helping fish travel upstream. Their journey back to the sea must also be safe. They need to be guided through the fish ladder, rather than into the hydropower turbines. It is a challenge that calls for a solution.

Looking further ahead, there is also the question of the rest of the Torne river’s tributaries. Could these measures also be used in other regulated water courses to create more habitat for salmon and other species? Every tributary that is reopened brings another part of the river back to life.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As TRIWA Life will continue until 2030, much will be achieved in the years ahead. At the same time, we know that seven years cannot undo everything that took generations to change.

Lasting success depends on continued efforts to restore streams and wetlands, but also on the strong cooperation between Sweden and Finland in managing the Torne River watershed. Rivers do not recognise national borders, and neither should our efforts to restore ecosystems harmed by human activities. I am confident that the partnership will continue long after this project has ended.

I also look forward to seeing the measures that have been carried out on the Swedish side of the river – a further proof of our shared commitment, regardless of which bank we stand on.

Finally, I wish to thank everyone involved in TRIWA Life: the municipalities and local communities in both countries, the partner organisations, the researchers, and the EU LIFE programme for its invaluable support. Your dedication to this remarkable river system is truly inspiring, and I hope it encourages similar efforts elsewhere.

Thank you.