Promoting freedom of movement is nothing new to Norrback, who conducted a study of obstacles to cross-border freedom of movement six years ago. He found some hair-rasing examples of barriers back then and remains to be convinced that all the problems have been dealt with. While not believing it wil be possible to remove absolutely every obstacle to cross-border freedom of movement, he is convinced that the situation can be improved.

Norrback is to head up the Nordic Freedom of Movement Forum for the next three years and sees it as a unique opportunity to influence events.

"The forum will be in a strong position. We will submit an in-depth report every year, identifying obstacles to cross-border freedom of movement, proposing changes and presenting solutions directly to the Nordic Prime Ministers," he points out.

Norrback also thinks that the initiative shows that the governments really are committed to finding real solutions.

"The first thing I can do is to ask the Nordic governments to co-ordinate new legislation. I also think that the information provided to citizens should be improved as they are the ones who lose out in the final analysis," he adds.

Initially, the Forum will focus on tax and welfare issues. Over the next three years the Forum will also look into pensions, qualifications, telephone costs, rules for pensionable income, etc. The Forum's Secretariat will be based at the Nordic Council of Ministers offices in Copenhagen.