4. Co-operation on EU/EEA issues and with other international actors

Nordic co-operation on justice affairs evaluates the consequences of EU/EEA legal acts as early as possible in the EU decision-making process. The Committee of Senior Officials reviews the most important proposals as required and determines whether there are grounds for Nordic discussions during either the drafting stage of the EU legislation or its implementation into national legislation.

When implementing EU/EEA legal acts, the Nordic countries can take advantage of the opportunities to exchange experiences and avoid duplication of work, for example by conducting joint studies. Informal co-operation between officials and agencies should be maintained and developed.

It is not necessary for every Nordic country to choose the same legislative solutions, but it is important that there is agreement at regional level on the understanding and interpretation of the relevant community legislation in the Nordic countries.

Nordic co-operation on justice affairs promotes contact within the Region, as well as discussion and, when necessary, co-ordination at senior official and political level in relation to other international forums, e.g. the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

Nordic co-operation on justice affairs also includes appointing representatives to international bodies when it is not possible for all of the Nordic countries to be represented.