The Nordic Region and the EU - on a new road?

The Lisbon Treaty is now ratified by all EU member states. The Baltic Sea strategy is adopted. Iceland has applied for membership in record time. With the climate summit just around the corner the Nordic countries have never had a better chance to make their mark in European co-operation. But does the Nordic Region have a real role in the EU? Can the Nordic Region strengthen the macro-regional development of Europe through the Baltic Sea strategy? How can the Danish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2010 ensure an increase in joint Nordic visibility in the EU? What will Icelandic membership of the EU mean for Nordic and European co-operation?