The Nordic Association and the Confederation of Nordic Associations

The Nordic Association was launched in Denmark, Norway and Sweden in 1919. It was later established in Iceland (1922), Finland (1924), the Faroe Islands (1951), Åland (1979) and Greenland (1991).

The Nordic Association promotes closer Nordic co-operation, open borders in the Region and a deeper sense of cultural affinity. It also strives to raise popular awareness of the successful co-operation that already exists in the Region. This is achieved by spreading information about language, culture and social conditions in the Nordic countries and providing support to networks of individuals, families, schools, associations, local authorities and companies, etc.

Other important tasks are to maintain close contact with decision-makers and to propose and inspire new initiatives on Nordic issues. One of the biggest challenges is abolishing the remaining obstacles to cross-border freedom of movement in the Nordic Region.

The Confederation of Nordic Associations (FNF)

The Confederation of Nordic Associations is the body that brings together the national Nordic associations and the Youth League of the Nordic Associations (FNU).

The confederation also works closely with Eesti Põhjala Ühing (the Nordic Association in Estonia), Biedrība Norden Latvija (the Nordic Association in Latvia) and the Nordic Association in Petrozavodsk.

The Confederation’s main responsibility is co-ordinating the joint interests of the national associations by promoting closer co-operation at all levels. Its programmes and principles are based on the same priorities as the Nordic associations’ national work.

FNF’s objective is to disseminate knowledge of the other Nordic countries’ language, culture, history and society. Its initiatives encourage closer co-operation at grassroots level between the Nordic countries, across Europe and throughout the world, via projects such as “Nordjob”, “Nordic Library Week” and “Norden at the Cinema”.