Nordic Council pushes for ministerial council for transport
Kjell-Arne Ottosson, Nordisk Råds temasession 2025
The Nordic Council has worked for several years to establish a Nordic ministerial council for transport issues and to promote closer cross-border co-operation on infrastructure. Physical co-operation on land, at sea, and in the air – as well as digital transport co-operation – would not only boost the region economically, but also contribute to more sustainable development and improved preparedness during times of crisis, according to the Nordic Council.
No progress on the proposal
In Helsinki, the Nordic Council Committee for Growth and Development in the Nordic Region discussed the issue, with Finland's Minister for Nordic Co-operation, Anders Adlercreutz, attending as a guest. Although supporting the ministerial council is part of the Finnish government’s programme, committee members received no indication that the proposal had made any progress.
“We expected the minister to uphold the Finnish government’s declaration, but he informed us that this is no longer the case. The opposition is strong, and it’s somewhat disrespectful, given that the decision to establish a ministerial council for infrastructure was made unanimously by the Nordic Council,” said Kjell-Arne Ottosson, chair of the committee.
I don’t see us as a council giving in, as the support is clearly there from many infrastructure stakeholders across the Nordic Region.
Widespread support for the initiative
All countries, party groups, and members of the Nordic Council support the decision.
“I don’t see us as a council giving in, as support is clearly there from many infrastructure stakeholders across the Nordic Region. They recognise the need to formalise co-operation on infrastructure in order to be better prepared – come rain or shine,” Ottosson added.
Key to achieving the vision
The proposal for a dedicated ministerial council is based on the need to support the green transition across all modes of transport and to deliver joint infrastructure investments to improve connections between the Nordic countries and Europe. Furthermore, with every Nordic country now a member of NATO, further development and co-ordination on infrastructure are required.
If the prime ministers are serious about their vision, they need to start acting – otherwise it’s just hot air.
The Nordic Council emphasises that formal co-operation is also key to realising the Nordic countries’ vision of an integrated and sustainable Nordic Region.
“If the prime ministers are serious about their vision, they need to start acting – otherwise it’s just hot air. Although our Ministers for Nordic Co-operation have now been given a stronger mandate, which is good, all ministers need to engage with these issues if we’re to make progress. We’ll rally the troops and see what the next move from the Nordic Council will be,” Ottosson concluded.
