As President of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2005, Denmark is responsible for inter-governmental co-operation in the Nordic Region. The theme for the Presidency programme is "The Nordic Region in a New Era - knowledge, dynamism and co-operation".
Nordic co-operation must remain dynamic and face the challenges thrown up by globalisation.
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Johannes Jansson / norden.org |
The Nordic welfare states are all highly developed knowledge societies, a fact reflected in their status in the international community and the way multilateral tasks are shared.
This position makes high public spending and high private consumption possible at the same time. It is not something to be taken for granted, however, and has to be constantly nurtured.
The Danish Presidency will prioritise areas where co-operation offers clear Nordic synergies. In particular, Denmark wishes to stress the importance of Nordic co-operation in life-long learning, innovation and the development of co-operation between research and business sectors.
Globalisation means that few sectors are spared fierce international competition. The public sector in the Nordic Region is simple, straightforward and unbureaucratic compared to other parts of the world because of its ability to innovate and understand the needs of citizens and business.
It is crucial for the future of Nordic co-operation that it is constantly driven by the will to change, enjoys the attention of politicians and the public and is capable of producing political results that benefit Nordic citizens. Nordic co-operation must be result-orientated and politically relevant and must not be allowed to drown in bureaucracy and technocracy!
The overall themes for the Presidency programme
• Knowledge and innovation
• Nordic Region without borders
• Efficiency and Nordic co-operation
Further information:
Ansvarlig webredaktør
2007-10-19
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