Nordic Council calls for co-ordination of EU Directives

All the Nordic countries implement the directives from Brussels in different ways, whether they are a member of the EU or not. But they do so in fact differently and this creates many problems between the countries.

Growth in the Nordic countries is hindered by the obstacles to freedom of movement that arises as a result, and the difference in implementation is detrimental, especially for mobility between the countries. That is the rationale behind a proposal from the Nordic Council on a new co-ordination of EU legislation.

"It is a good thing that EU directives provide the opportunity for flexible implementation. But it is not good if this creates obstacles to freedom of movement between the countries. Therefore, we should prepare the implementation better in the Region, but without creating unnecessary bureaucracy", said Bertel Haarder, (V-DK) on behalf of the Nordic Council Presidium.

In Denmark, for example, we are particularly aware of the risk of over-implementation, where we add our own requirements on top of those that come from the EU. This can damage competitiveness, in addition to creating new obstacles to freedom of movement, he added.

Screening of EU proposals

Specifically, the Nordic Council proposes that the country holding the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers screens the incoming EU legislation and selects the areas which will have most affect on mobility between the Nordic countries.

Then, the Presidency country co-ordinates a consultation between the senior officials from all the countries in the areas concerned to ensure a more uniform national implementation.

The Faroe Islands and Greenland are outside the scope of this proposal as they do not directly implement EU directives. It is now up to the Nordic countries' governments to discuss the proposal further.

Further information:

Nordic co-operation on implementation of EU and EEA legislation

Strategy and action plan for Nordic mobility