Ministers for Nordic Co-operation seek more ambitious co-operation on integration and sharper focus on freedom of movement

The refugee crisis and its impact have been discussed at countless Nordic meetings since the start of the year when temporary border controls were reintroduced at a number of particularly congested border crossings in the region in an effort to maintain order and security in the Nordic countries.

In February the Nordic prime ministers stressed that the Nordic countries must strive together to solve the challenges brought about by the refugee crisis, without slowing or bringing Nordic co-operation to a halt.

The Ministers for Nordic Co-operation stress the importance of emphasising the Nordic perspective in discussions, proposals, and decisions regarding the refugee crisis. The Ministers for Nordic Co-operation recommend that the ministers responsible for refugee issues in their respective countries take Nordic freedom of movement into account in their work at both the national and European levels.

The ministers also issued a joint declaration; “Freedom of movement in the Nordic Region must be protected” in connection with the meeting.

Marked increase in aspirations regarding co-operation on integration

During the meeting in Oslo, the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation also decided on a substantial increase in resources to be spent on integration efforts in 2016 and 2017.

The budgetary provision made for co-operation relating to integration in 2016 has proved to be insufficient. In May, the ministers will decide whether to adjust the budgets for 2016 and 2017 in order to facilitate much more ambitious co-operation between the Nordic countries in this area. A clearing centre is among the proposals for the active sharing of knowledge and experiences. The ministers’ proposals also include the financing of a Nordic research venture on integration.

“We want the Nordic Council of Ministers to take a proactive role in co-operation relating to integration,” emphasises Anne Berner of Finland, Chairperson of the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation. “Our objective is that we should be able to both communicate and accumulate knowledge and experience in this area by way of co-operation,” she says.

During their meeting, the ministers published a joint declaration in which they strongly advocate the continuation of freedom of movement in the Nordic Region. The ministers also asked the Secretary General to the Nordic Council of Ministers to analyse the impact of temporary border controls within the region. The objective is to streamline efforts to eliminate current barriers to free movement, as well as those that combat the emergence of new barriers.

Declaration: Freedom of movement in the Nordic Region must be protected