Ordförandeskapet
Programme for the Swedish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2008
Photographer: Johannes Jansson / norden.org
The Nordic Region Concentrates its Strengths
Growth in the Region is higher than in many comparable parts of the world. Unemployment is low compared with the rest of Europe, and public finances are sound. The Nordic countries top the international charts
in many indicators of social progress – e.g. investment climate, information technology, research and education, etc. Alongside our strong sense of regional cohesion, these achievements provide an advantageous foundation on which to stand together and face the great challenges ahead.
We need to adapt to ever-tougher global competition if we are to maintain and develop the welfare upon which our Region is built. Climate change illustrates the need to adapt our societies in an environmentally responsible manner. We must retain the option of maintaining our central characteristics, while at the same time remaining open to outside influences. At a meeting in June 2007, the Nordic prime ministers agreed guidelines for closer Nordic co-operation on globalisation issues. The Swedish Presidency intends to implement concrete initiatives in this area.
It is in the Nordic Region's interests to develop Baltic Sea co-operation, e.g. on issues that affect competitiveness and the environment, inside the EU, in relation to the EU and to Russia, and especially in the Nordic–Baltic co-operation between the eight EU/EEA countries. This will build an effective platform for facing the challenges of globalisation. It is also important to continue developing the co-operation that the Nordic Council of Ministers has established with North-west Russia and the other Adjacent Areas.
The Swedish Presidency will emphasise Nordic co-operation on breaking down the exclusion of certain social groups and individuals from civic participation, education and training, housing and, above all, the labour market. A society that offers all men and women equal opportunities in their working and private lives is a common goal shared by all Nordic countries. Therefore, the continued integration of a gender and equality perspective into Nordic co-operation is a priority. A children's and youth perspective is another fundamental element.
Priorities
The programme is divided into four main themes: Competitiveness, Climate, Creativity and Co-ordination. The headings cover over-arching objectives and activities. The sectoral programmes provide more detailed descriptions of the specific priorities, and outline which of the various ministerial councils have responsibility for them.The Swedish Presidency will also continue to work on issues taken up by previous presidencies. It is vital that the process of reforming and modernising Nordic co-operation should continue, not least in relation to the Council of Ministers' institutions and other bodies. The work on equality will be followed up, as will the action plan ‘Design for All’, which aims to improve social access for people with disabilities. The Nordic strategy for sustainable development will also be reviewed during 2008.
The Swedish Presidency will engage in regular dialogue with parliamentarians from the Nordic Council and the 2007 Finnish Presidency.
Nordic co-operation draws much of its strength from its popular support and our shared tradition of open, democratic societies. As such, co-operation between the Nordic Council of Ministers and the voluntary sector, not least the Confederation of Nordic Associations, is highly significant.
Sweden's Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers
[sv] 
Aims of the Swedish Presidency
The letter C is the key for Sweden [sv]
Ansvarlig webredaktør
2008-03-04