Nordic cooperation

Nordic cooperation aims to promote common Nordic interests and values. Official Nordic cooperation takes place through the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. The Nordic Council of Ministers was established in 1971. 

Nordic cooperation involves Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland as well as the self-governing territories Åland, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands.

The Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, leading this work, rotates on an annual basis. 

Two Councils of Ministers deal with economic affairs and employment

The Nordic cooperation matters involving the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment are considered at the Nordic Council of Ministers for Sustainable Growth (MR-VÆKST) and the Nordic Council of Ministers for Labour (MR-A). The latter Council also discusses matters falling under the mandate of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Annual ministerial meetings are organized under the Council of Ministers. In addition, Nordic ministers and public officials meet regularly in inter-governmental, regional and bilateral events to discuss topical Nordic issues and promote joint projects and initiatives. In many sectors, cooperation is pursued even outside the inter-governmental sphere (e.g. Nordic Investment Bank) and in collaboration with the Baltic States and other countries.

Committees of Senior Officials, working under the Councils of Ministers, prepare matters for ministerial decision-making and oversee the iniation, implementation and development of sector-specific projects and programs. Specialised joint Nordic research institutes work under the Committees of Senior Officials providing research for Nordic decision-making, along with Nordic Innovation, which promotes innovation. The Nordic Institute for Advanced Training in Occupational Health is set up by the Council of Ministers for Labour and operates in Helsinki.

All departments of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment are active in the Nordic cooperation. Overall coordination is managed by the EU and International Affairs team of the Steering unit. 

Inquiries:

  • Maija Lönnqvist (Innovations and Enterprise Financing) 
  • Mikko Huuskonen (Innovations and Enterprise Financing) 
  • Maria Kekki (Energy) 
  • Daniela Karlsson (Energy) 
  • Hanna-Maria Urjankangas (Regions and Growth Services) 
  • Tallamaria Maunu (Employment and Well-Functioning Market) 
  • Anna Bruun (Labour Migration and Intergration) 
  • Mia Hurtta (EU and International affairs) 
  • Tiina Heiskanen (EU and International affairs) 

Personal e-mail addresses are firstname.lastname(at)gov.fi
Scandinavian characters are replaced by: ä=a, ö=o, å=a

Related websites