Prime ministers: We must strengthen our joint crisis preparedness

“Nordic co-operation is a resource that makes it possible for the Nordic countries to strengthen their emergency preparedness and resilience. By stepping up Nordic co-operation on the security of supply and other emergency preparedness, we help to safeguard a Nordic Region that can take action in any situation,” said Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin at a press conference at Christiansborg on Wednesday morning. 

The Nordic prime ministers and heads of government of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland all participated in the discussions. Sweden’s Minister for Nordic Co-operation, Anna Hallberg, stood in for Sweden’s Prime Minister. 
In their joint statement, the prime ministers stressed the importance of being prepared for any emergency and crisis, whether caused by man or nature. This includes measures to safeguard access to clean water and safe food, sufficient medical equipment to cope with a pandemic, as well as robust energy systems, digital networks, and logistical supply routes. 

“The pandemic has been a challenge of historic proportions. Now that we’re in a better situation, we must learn from our experiences. We must be better prepared ahead of future crises. We’re certain that there are more crises to come. We don’t know what they are, but we must be prepared,” said Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen.

At the prime ministerial meeting, the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Paula Lehtomäki, presented progress on joint efforts on the vision for the Nordic Region. At their press conference, the prime ministers confirmed their determination that the Nordic Region be the most sustainable region in the world by 2030. 

“We can and must be a pioneer in the green transition, and we must demonstrate that this transition can take place in a way that is fair to everyone,” said Iceland’s Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir.