Is Nordic co-operation ‘uncool’ as ‘DN’ suggested in an editorial this autumn? Or, on the contrary, have the Nordic countries and the Northern Dimension taken on too much importance both for their own intrinsic value and as a leading model for innovation in the EU?

This will be one of the topics discussed by a majority of leading Nordic politician on Saturday. Amongst those taking part are Ole Stavad, President of the Nordic Council, Thorbjörn Jagland, former Prime Minister, party spokesman and Speaker of the Norwegian parliament, Kimmo Kiljunen, MP, Vice-Chairman of the Stora committee, member of the Committee for Foreign Affairs from Finland and Ingvar Carlsson, former Prime Minister from Sweden.

In a debate article on the Palme Centre’s homepages Ingvar Carlsson appeals for stronger Nordic co-operation.

“New liberals spokesmen claim that Europe should deregulate, pull back from its policies and allow the market to decide progress. I consider that the Nordic countries have a great task to demonstrate an alternative way which will increase chances of progress in which the individual is at the centre”, writes Ingvar Carlsson.