The Nordic Council of Ministers for Business, Energy and Regional Policy
The Nordic countries' co-operation in business, energy and regional policy is designed to encourage continued positive growth. The objective behind the creation of frameworks for an innovative business climate is to maintain the Region's high level of competitiveness without negatively impacting upon the environment, the climate or society as a whole.
The co-operation concentrates on:
- Creating a pan-Nordic business climate by removing obstacles to cross-border trade
- Boosting innovation in Nordic companies and in regional co-operation on innovation policy
- Improving co-operation with the Region's neighbours
- Ensuring well-balanced regional development
In the energy sector:
- Guaranteeing supplies
- Harmonising the Nordic electricity market
- Promoting the development of sustainable energy sources
- Putting the Nordic Region at the forefront of international developments
This co-operation is led by the Nordic ministers for business, energy and regional policy. The ministers meet once a year to discuss and initiate co-operation in areas of joint Nordic value.
The Committee of Senior Officials for Business and Energy Policy and the Committee of Senior Officials for Regional Policy, which consist of representatives from all the countries, meet four or five times a year and prepare the proposals submitted to the ministers.
The Nordic Council of Ministers' Secretariat in Copenhagen is responsible for the day-to-day running of Nordic inter-governmental co-operation.
The Secretariat houses the Department for Growth and Climate, which prepares questions for submission to the Council of Ministers and its two committees of senior officials.
The Secretariat is also responsible for implementing decisions once they have been taken.
The Council of Ministers for Business, Energy and Regional Policy supports and funds a number of institutions and border committees.
