Steps towards improving mobility in the Nordics
With less than five years to go until 2030 – the target date for the Nordic Region to be the most integrated region in the world – the “Annual Report 2025: Programme for Freedom Movement in the Nordics” shows that clear progress was made during the year in efforts to remove obstacles to freedom of movement.
Efforts to improve freedom of movement have a direct impact on residents and businesses in the Nordic Region. We’re delighted to see that an increase in funding and more robust political ownership in this field are yielding results.
New programme to improve mobility
A new programme for freedom of movement in the Nordics was launched in 2025. This has involved a reorganisation of activities to give them a clearer direction, as well as stronger political support. The emphasis is now on key issues for Nordic integration.
With the new programme, the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation now play a more active role in propelling efforts and dealing with complex obstacles to freedom of movement. An initial joint priority was ID matching and cross-border access to digital services, which is expected to make it easier for residents to use digital services in multiple countries while also helping to remove obstacles to freedom of movement.
New agreements to facilitate commuting and freedom of movement
During the year, several agreements were put in place which improve the conditions for people moving between the Nordic countries. The new Öresund Agreement came into force and provides increased flexibility for commuters between Denmark and Sweden thanks to amended tax rules.
A new agreement between Finland and Norway on cross-border taxi traffic makes things easier for companies and travellers in the border regions. In Norway, apprentices have been given the opportunity to take vocational and apprenticeship exams in Swedish and Danish, which improves mobility in the Nordic labour market.
Information services play a key role
Information services have an important dual role. They offer practical guidance to residents and businesses, while also uncovering and raising awareness of day-to-day obstacles to freedom of movement, from difficulties in using e-identification across borders to questions about pensions for those who have worked in several countries.
During the year, information efforts were bolstered in organisations such as Info Norden and the border region services Øresunddirekt, Grensetjänsten Norge–Sverige, and Gränstjänsten Sverige-Finland-Norge.
Grensetjänsten Norge–Sverige held some much-appreciated “declaration days” and provided personalised assistance to 350 cross-border commuters. Øresunddirekt started a project with a focus on young people and cross-border commuting, with the aim of encouraging more people to view the Öresund region as a common labour market. Gränstjänsten Sverige-Finland-Norge established a simplification group for Sweden and Finland that works to identify solutions that make day-to-day life easier for people moving between the countries.
In summary, the report shows that several important advances were made during 2025, while new challenges were identified. Efforts to minimise obstacles to freedom of movement and improve mobility are continuing apace, with the aim of making it easy to live, work, and do business across borders throughout the Nordic Region.
