The objective of the 2007 Finnish programme was to improve the Nordic Region's ability to face up to global challenges. It stressed the importance of making sure the Nordic model works properly

Special prominence was given to the need to be competitive and to refine welfare provision. Education and training, culture, gender equality and social and health services were other particular priorities, as was improving the visibility of the Nordic Region in the wider world. Other priorities were the Northern Dimension, the condition of the Baltic Sea.

The programme also included Nordic energy policy, climate issues, cross-border freedom of movement between the Nordic countries, and children and young people.

Finland aimed to generate interest in Nordic co-operation, make it more effective and improve the ability of ordinary citizens to exert influence upon it.

The Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, the official body for intergovernmental co-operation in the Nordic Region, alternates between the five states of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The Nordic Council of Ministers' Secretariat in Copenhagen is responsible for its day-to-day affairs and administration.

The Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers lasts for one full calendar year. The Finnish Presidency of the NCM was moved from 2006 to 2007 because of Finland's Presidency of the EU in 2006, to avoid the two Presidencies overlapping.

Further info:

The Finnish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers

Programme for Finland's Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers