Focus on Ukraine at Nordic Council theme session

03.03.22 | News
Nordiska flaggor
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Magnus Fröderberg/Norden.org
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be at the top of the agenda when the Nordic Council meets for its annual theme session in Malmö on 21 and 22 March. In addition to the situation in Ukraine, the Nordic Council will also discuss co-operation in civilian crises and the Nordic welfare model.

The main debate of the theme session, the so-called topical debate on 22 March, will address the Russian invasion and what the Nordic Region can do to assist Ukraine and help to bring about stability.

“Russia’s invasion has brought about the most serious security situation in Europe since the Second World War. This is a war in Europe, on our shores. This is of deep concern to us in the Nordic countries and the Nordic Council. That’s why it’s important that we also raise the issue at our theme session and see how we can help Ukraine at the Nordic level,” says the President of the Nordic Council Erkki Tuomioja.

The Russian invasion has been met with strong reactions right across the globe, and the Nordic Council has issued its own statements. On the same day as the invasion began, the President issued a statement condemning Russian actions in the strongest terms, and the Presidium of the Nordic Council later issued a similar statement.

Not just Ukraine

The theme session brings together all 87 members of the Nordic Council. It begins on 21 March with the meetings of the Nordic Council’s five party groups, four committees, and Presidium.

The second day will feature a full day’s plenary session. In addition to the topical debate on Ukraine, the members will discuss the follow-up to the so-called Enestam report, which deals with how Nordic co-operation can be strengthened in times of crisis. In addition, a side event will be held about life in the border regions after the pandemic.

Furthermore, there will be a debate on the Nordic welfare model and the challenges it faces going forwards. This issue is a priority area in Finland’s Presidency programme. Finland holds the Presidency of the Nordic Council this year.

On the second day of the theme session, a side event will also be held about life in the border regions after the pandemic.

The 70th anniversary of the Nordic Council will also be addressed at this year’s theme session.

Open to the media

The plenary sessions on 22 March are open to the media Journalists who are interested in covering the theme session should contact Josefine Carstad, joscar@norden.org (+45 22 35 70 13) or Matts Lindqvist, matlin@norden.org (+45 29 69 29 05).

The plenary sessions will be live-streamed online at norden.org. Link to follow