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Greater Nordic integration – six months into Sweden’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Published
A new Öresund Agreement that will make life easier for cross-border commuters, a joint declaration on competitiveness and security by Nordic heads of government, and consensus on how to raise the level of ambition in global environmental efforts. These are just a few examples of what has been achieved during the first six months of Sweden’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Nordic co-operation is one of the world’s oldest and most extensive, regional policy cooperation forums. This year, Sweden holds the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
“Nordic co-operation is unique and something we should be proud of, but there is still more to do to make us the most integrated and sustainable region in the world by 2030,” says Jessica Roswall, the minister responsible for Nordic affairs and the overall work of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
During the first six months of Sweden’s Presidency, there have been many meetings, decisions taken, and agreements made.
Easier for businesses and people to work across national borders
A particular priority for Sweden’s Presidency is to eliminate border barriers and promote mobility and integration.
One example of where the Swedish Government is tearing down border barriers is the updated Öresund Agreement – a tax treaty that Sweden and Denmark have signed. With the new Öresund Agreement, cross-border commuting will become a more attractive option, and it will be easier for Danish employers to hire commuters from Sweden, and for these commuters to work from home.
Competitiveness and growth to improve in the Nordic Region
Improving competitiveness and growth in the Nordic region is crucial for making it easier for businesses and people to work transnationally.
During the Nordic Summit in May, the Nordic heads of government signed a joint declaration on the future competitiveness, growth and security of the Nordic region.
Press release: Nordic declaration on competitiveness and security signed
Another example is the Council of Ministers for Sustainable Growth, which focused on an attractive, competitive and robust Nordic region at its meeting in June.
The joint labour market in the Nordic countries turns 70 this year, which was observed with a conference. Its focus was on the development required to increase transnational movement of labour.
Cooperation concerning organised crime and young offenders
Sweden’s Presidency also has a particular focus on cooperating and sharing knowledge and experience in relation to organised crime, welfare fraud, violent extremism and terrorism.
In March, a joint meeting was held with the Nordic ministers for justice and ministers for social services with a focus on young offenders.
Article: Nordic ministerial meeting on children and young people involved in crime
Agreement on how the Nordic region can raise the level of ambition in global environmental efforts
A greener Nordic region is another priority of Sweden’s Presidency. The Nordic region should continue to be a pioneer in a green transition driven by competition and innovation at home, and to promote green solutions from the Nordic region in the rest of the world.
In May, the Nordic environment and climate ministers signed a joint statement on how the Nordic region can help to raise the level of ambition in global environmental efforts.
Joint statement by Nordic Ministers for Environment and Climate, UNEP consultations 8 May 2024
A new Language Declaration to strengthen languages in the Nordic region
In May, the Nordic ministers for education and for culture met in Stockholm and signed a new Nordic Language Declaration which aims to strengthen linguistic cohesion in the Nordic region.
Press release: Nordic declaration on competitiveness and security signed
Follow the work of Sweden’s Presidency
Would you like to read more about Sweden’s priorities and keep up to date with what is happening? All published articles that relate to Sweden’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers are listed below:
N5 and NB8 – Nordic and Nordic-Baltic cooperation on foreign and security policy
During 2024, Sweden is also chairing the informal foreign and security policy cooperation forums with the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) and the Nordic countries (N5). The NB8 and N5 cooperation forums are chaired by the foreign affairs ministers.
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