Focus on preparedness and competitiveness at prime ministers’ summit

The meeting was attended by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. She praised Nordic co-operation – not least in terms of support for Ukraine – both at the press conference after the meeting and in her address to the Nordic Council later in the day at Sweden’s Riksdag. 

“I think of the Nordic countries as the North Star of Europe, because you often show the way in preparedness,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who is chairing the Nordic prime ministers in 2025, also highlighted the importance of co-operation with regard to both preparedness issues and competitiveness.

“We know that small countries must work together to stand stronger,” said Petteri Orpo.

The prime ministers met in connection with the Session of the Nordic Council in Stockholm. The Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Karen Ellemann, also took part in the meeting, during which the prime ministers reaffirmed their aspiration to deliver on the aims of the Nordic vision to make the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030.

In the afternoon, the prime ministers took part in a summit with the Nordic Council. During the summit, members of the council had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the prime ministers. A wide range of themes was raised, including a possible revision of the Helsinki Treaty, also known as the Nordic constitution.