“The Øresund Bridge shows us what the future can look like. A future full of opportunities, new contacts and communications which were not possible before and a clear demonstration that our two countries are determined to grow together and make things easier for people and business,” wrote the Swedish Minister for Nordic Co-operation, Berit Andnor, in an article in ‘Kvällsposten’.

“However, this future also has to deal with the problems people are experiencing as they try to take advantage of these new opportunities. Taxation is different, as is social security, the right for sick leave, schools, pre-schools and care for the elderly, as well as the rules in the labour market. New challenges and difficulties arise,” writes Andnor. She does not believe that there will be common regulations around central issues such as taxes and welfare in the foreseeable future.

“On the other hand we must reduce the disparities in the regulations, tax system, fees and other areas in a way which reduces cross-border obstacles. We have taken several steps. The taxation agreement between Sweden and Denmark is an example", she writes in the article calling for the further removal of all cross-border obstacles between the Nordic countries.