The financial crisis highlighted the need for the Region to exploit the opportunities arising from globalisation, as well as to meet its challenges. Solidarity and collaboration between the Nordic countries has never been more vital. The Council of Ministers’ budget has been reprioritised to ensure that funding will be available for the necessary measures in this area. Globalisation and building a sustainable Nordic Region, in which equality plays a key role, are consistent themes of the Danish Presidency.

The work of the Danish Presidency is based on three pillars: “The Nordic Region in the world”, “Inside the Nordic Region”, and “Preparing the Nordic Region for the future”.

The Nordic Region in the world

The shared Nordic culture and values present opportunities to co-ordinate work and to enhance the Region’s impact in international affairs. The Council of Ministers aims to create synergies and increase the visibility of the whole Region through co-operation based on common interests with other regional organisations, particularly the EU, the Arctic Council, the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the Barents Council.

Inside the Nordic Region

The Nordic countries are all small, open economies, and are therefore vulnerable to shifting international economic conditions - as demonstrated by the international financial crisis. It is important that the Region is able to meet this type of challenge and exploit the opportunities presented by globalisation, e.g. by maintaining flexible labour markets and resisting protectionism.

Preparing the Nordic Region for the future

A globalised world presents a range of challenges but also a range of opportunities. If Nordic co-operation is to exploit these opportunities to the full, then the institutional composition of the Council of Ministers must be kept under constant review in order to maximise its effectiveness.

In the foreword to the Programme for the Presidency Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen writes, "The Danish Presidency wishes to maintain the position of the Nordic Region as a leading innovative region. This will involve a renewed effort to promote cross-border freedom of movement for the benefit of citizens and companies alike, so that the Region remains an attractive place in which to live and work. It will continue to be a green region, taking a lead in meeting the challenges of climate change and environmental protection. Last but not least, the Nordic Region will generate value and achieve results that have an international impact."