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New Danish government aim for closer Nordic co-operation

Nordic co-operation has been upgraded in the policy programme presented by the new Danish government on 4 October at the opening of Parliament. There will be focus, in particular, on Arctic co-operation and international relations. The Swedish Parliament will also discuss increased international co-operation between the Nordic countries.

Oct 04, 2011

According to the policy plans for Helle Thorning-Schmidt's new government, Denmark will place greater focus on Nordic co-operation.

"Denmark is stronger when we choose to work with the other Nordic countries. The new government will therefore place higher priority on Nordic co-operation. This should be seen as an extension of the existing co-operation between the Nordic countries and not in competition to EU co-operation", the policy programme states.

The Danish government will enhance co-operation in the foreign, defence and emergency planning areas based on the declaration of solidarity between the Nordic countries.

Denmark is keen, in partnership with the other Nordic countries, to help shape international co-operation in the Arctic, particularly in relation to safety at sea, the environment and development of raw materials. This will be an extension of the Arctic strategy just launched by the Danish Commonwealth of the Realm - Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

However, co-operation will also cover hot countries, as the Danish government calls for a co-ordinated democratic effort in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as joint action in Palestine. The government proposes establishing a Nordic institute for global reforms. It is envisaged that this will act as a think tank for the development of international co-operation and management of global challenges.

There are also proposals for more joint Nordic embassies - a topic which was also put forward in the Swedish Parliament on 3 October, the same day that the Danish government took office.

Finally the government will strengthen freedom of movement in the Nordic region - work which is, amongst other things, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers' Freedom of Movement Forum.

Read the entire Danish policy programme (in Danish).

Contacts

Jens Chr. Andersen jensan@um.dk

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