In the Nordic region, there is a long tradition of co-operation on regional policy, partly because of our shared history and culture, similar social and welfare systems, and democratic system of government. Cross-border Nordic co-operation has a long history in which the border regions' interaction and co-operation has played a particularly important role in creating well-established and integrated communities along national borders.

Official Nordic co-operation has contributed important input to national policy through a systematic and regular exchange of knowledge and experience in the area of ​​regional policy between the countries. Amongst other things, the regional policy research institution Nordregio produces Nordic analyses and comparisons at a high international level.

Border Regional Co-operation

Every year the Nordic Council of Ministers gives both project funding and operational support to Nordic cross-border regional co-operation organisations and committees, as a contribution to the organisation of persons, goods and services' flow across national borders. The funding will ensure that the acting regions which find themselves on two or more sides of national borders are maintained and developed for the best for the population in the Nordic border regions. Examples of focus areas and project efforts in the border regions which will receive funding from the Council of Ministers could be co-operation in the development and use of renewable energy solutions, the establishment of networks between companies across national borders, tourism co-operation, work to remove obstacles for freedom of movement across borders in business and innovative projects.

The Nordic cross-border funds are allocated according to the Nordic Cross-Regional Strategy jointly adopted by the Nordic countries.

Nordic regional policy also faces outwards to its neighbours, and contributes to regional political co-operation in Europe amongst others through membership of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR). The Nordic cross-border regions are a model for other European border regions today. Moreover, official Nordic co-operation has helped to highlight the Nordic countries in relation to the EU, the Baltic Sea Region, North Calotte and the Arctic.

Nordregio

Nordregio is the Nordic research centre for regional development focusing on strategic research and documentation. Nordregio was established by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 1997 and is situated on Skeppsholmen in Stockholm. Since 1997, Nordregio has produced scientifically based material for decision-makers at regional, national and international level, and has contributed with much important scientific input to the current policy debate within Nordic co-operation. Nordregio is particularly occupied with regional development, urban and rural problems, demography, etc. At the same time, Nordregio is involved in a range of simultaneous projects in collaboration with other partners and research institutes, which adds breadth and perspective to Nordregio’s research skills.

Programme for co-operation on regional policy

The Nordic Council of Ministers' current regional policy co-operation programme is valid for 2009-2012. The basic vision is of the Nordic Region as a world leader in the development of new and more effective regional policy. This means, firstly, a strengthening and expansion of regional policy’s role in the development of a more innovative Nordic Region. It will also entail strengthening environmentally, economically and socially sustainable development at regional and local level, both in towns and densely populated areas as well as in sparsely populated areas. Finally, the intention is that the Nordic Region’s voice in regional policy and planning should be heard in a wider European context.