"The historic year 1809 marks the separation of Finland and Sweden but the close ties between the people continued and developed new forms. The relationship between the countries today is better than ever before", said Sinikka Bohlin, President of the Nordic Council, who was born in Finland but has lived many years in Sweden.

The challenges created by border obstacles between the Nordic countries are the main theme of the Nordic Council’s summer meeting. Removing these border obstacles is an important matter for the Council. Local politicians like Sven-Erik Bucht, member of the local council and mayor Raimo Ronkainen will share their experiences at the meeting.

" In order to meet the challenges brought about by globalisation it is important that we safeguard freedom of movement for individuals and business. As members of the Nordic Council we call for our governments and the Nordic Council of Ministers to improve the co-ordination and harmonisation of legislation in the Nordic countries", says the President, Sinikka Bohlin. She underlines the importance not only of removing obstacles but also not adding new ones.

Haparanda is on the Swedish side of the border and Tornkio is in Finland. The two towns have co-operate extensively across the border and for this reason are aware of a number of the border obstacles which exist between the Nordic countries.

Bohlin believes that the Torne Valley is a good example of a region where cross-border co-operation has come a long way thanks to creativity and political will.

Before the Nordic Council’s joint meeting the five committees will go on a study trip to Narvik and Kiruna. The Citizens’ and Consumer Rights Committee will, amongst other things, visit the Sami Parliament as part of the politicians desire to learn more about the Nordic indigenous peoples.

In connection with a proposal for closer co-operation on Nordic space research the Trade & Industry Committee will visit the Esrange Space Center, while the Welfare and Business committees will meet IKEA’s founder, Ingvar Kamrad, to discuss an inclusive and sustainable working environment in the Nordic countries.

The Environment and Natural Resources committee will focus on the reform of the EU’s current fisheries policy at their meeting in Narvik.

Contact:

Karin Arvidsson

(+45) 21 71 71 45