Nordic Countries Strengthen Their Cooperation on Preparedness
Det dansk-færøske formandskab under mødet i Torshavn.
Despite major and sustained Nordic commitment, the work in this area is currently fragmented across different initiatives and activities. The ministers propose drawing up a programme to provide a more coherent and strategic framework for co-operation.
“Emergency preparedness is basically about the ability to protect citizens when they really need it. In times of crisis, it’s crucial that everybody pulls together, and the Nordic countries have everything to gain by pooling our resources. On our own, we are vulnerable. Together we are strong. That’s why I am delighted that we plan to beef up our co-operation on emergency preparedness and societal security,” says the Danish Minister for Nordic Co-operation, Monika Rubin.
“The COVID pandemic highlighted a lack of coordination on preparedness between our countries and showed that freedom of movement in the region is more vulnerable than we thought. To achieve our ambition of making the Nordic Region the most integrated region in the world, co-operation also needs to function efficiently during crises. That is why today’s decision is an important step in the right direction,” says Bárður á Steig Nielsen, the Faroese Minister for Nordic Co-operation.
In times of crisis, it’s crucial that everybody pulls together, and the Nordic countries have everything to gain by pooling our resources.
Drawing up a Nordic programme
The ministers recommend setting up a programme committee consisting of representatives from the Nordic countries. They want to see a stronger response to common challenges, to promote knowledge sharing, to engage more sectors in the work, and to make sure it is systematic and intersectoral at the Nordic level. The ministers have mandated the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Secretariat to draw up the new programme for emergency preparedness.
“We look forward to presenting proposals for a Nordic programme that will ensure we share knowledge and coordinate our work across sectors and borders,” says Karen Ellemann, the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Visit by the Freedom of Movement Council
The ministers’ summer gathering also included the annual visit by the Freedom of Movement Council and discussions on a number of topics of great importance to freedom of movement in the Nordic Region, including the Council’s priorities for access to digital services, tax-related barriers to cross-border mobility and the challenge of pensions from a cross-border perspective.
