Education the foundation for welfare

The Danish prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, started the debate by stressing the importance of education for continued welfare in the Nordic Region.

"There is much that binds us together in the Region, for example, the view that education for the many and not just for the few, is the very foundation of our societies".

Denmark celebrates 200 years of public schooling for girls and boys this year, which the Danish prime minister thinks has contributed to an egalitarian and equal society. In addition, Nordic co-operation has helped young people to have greater opportunities in education in any of the Nordic countries. Many people take advantage of this option.

Sweden's newly elected prime minister, Stefan Löfvén, reminded that the opportunities for exchange between the Nordic countries could be further improved by removing obstacles to freedom of movement.

The Nordic Session in Stockholm this week is Stefan Löfvén's first Nordic meeting, but he referred to good experiences of many years co-operation in the Nordic trade union movement.

"I am convinced that sound solutions for issues regarding education, integration and the labour market are crucial for a stronger, global Nordic position".

"What is special about us in the Nordic Region is that we do not see an open labour market and a strong social safety net as opposite poles. Nor well-managed finances and stimulation of the economy", said Finland's prime minister Alexander Stubb. He said that the excellent Nordic ability to learn from one another is a strength in the fight to protect and develop welfare.

"But we are a little bit too nostalgic in our rhetoric about the Nordic Region, a little bit too retrospective".

He advocated a large dose of the capacity to innovate and encouraged an unusually well-filled parliamentary chamber above all to defend Nordic openness. Openness for new impulses, solutions and opinions about how we live our lives.