Karelian international projects as resource of regional development

The article studies the influence of the cross-border programmes: European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument “Karelia” and “Knowledge Building and Network Cooperation Programme” on regional development of Karelian Republic. The programmes were introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The analysis of the international project activities has revealed special features characteristic of cooperation in North Europe, the increasing role of the civil society and municipal authorities, and possibility of administrative and worldview transitions.