In the wake of the terror attacks in Norway on 22 July, the representatives of the Nordic Region met in a strong and united front for a political discussion under the theme "The Open Nordic Societies".

"Openness is a core value in the Nordic societies. Openness to the outside world, openness in relation to citizens, freedom to choose oneself and the will for dialogue and co-operation is at the heart of the Nordic model", said Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

The reform of the ways of working in the Nordic Council was one of the major issues that was pushed through during the Session in Copenhagen. The decision to politicise and streamline the work includes the introduction of an audience with the Nordic Council from 1 January 2012. This means that citizens can ask for a meeting with the Nordic Council committees to discuss specific issues or to state their views.

From the podium, Bertel Haarder, President of the Nordic Council in 2011, expressed the hope that one effect of the new working arrangement in the future will be the experience of a smooth and politically interesting Nordic co-operation which is visible to the people.

Sustainable health and resistance to antibiotics were issues that fuelled the debate during a fringe event attended by the Danish Minister for Food, Mette Gjerskov, the Norwegian MP Martin Kolberg and a number of experts on the subject.

At a formal award ceremony in the Royal Danish Academy of Music Pernilla August was presented with the Nordic Film Prize, while Gyrðir Elíasson and Mats Gustafsson received the Literature and Music Prizes respectively. The Scandic Hotels won the Nordic Council's Nature and Environment Prize 2011.

Finland's Kimmo Sasi (Saml) was elected President of the Nordic Council in 2012, and Silvia Modig (Vas.), also from Finland, was elected Vice-President.