Minister Blomqvist to attend Nordic Cooperation Ministers’ meeting in Halden, Norway

“During crises, the importance of Nordic coordination, cooperation and unity is further emphasised. Together we are stronger, and we, the Ministers for Nordic Cooperation, have an important role in calling attention to the Nordic perspective both in the interaction between our countries as well as in our own countries,” Minister Blomqvist says.

Another key theme of the meeting will be the work done to remove cross-border barriers. The Ministers will discuss the matter with the Council on Cross-Border Obstacles.

“The promotion of free movement between the Nordic countries, whether referring to relocating, studies, work, entrepreneurship or leisure, benefits us all in the Nordics. Contacts and interaction between people are at the core of Nordic cohesion and sense of togetherness. This highlights the central role of work concerning cross-border barriers as an enabler of integration, as we are turning the Nordic region into the most sustainable and integrated region in the world as outlined in our common vision,” the Minister says.

Other topics of the meeting include, among other things, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ budget for 2023, presented by the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers Paula Lehtomäki; the Council of Ministers’ cooperation projects in the Nordic countries’ neighbouring areas; and a confirmation of the commitment to a green and gender-equal Nordic Region endorsed by the Nordic Ministers for Equality in March.

Inquiries:

Ville Andersson, Acting Head of the Secretariat for Nordic Cooperation, tel. +358 50 348 1575, etunimi.sukunimi@formin.fi

Carolina Nordling, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 295 150 278, firstname.lastname@gov.fi