An integrated Nordic Region with cross-border freedom of movement

It should be easy to live, study, work and run companies throughout the whole Nordic Region and across its borders. In many ways, the Nordic labour market is already well integrated – for many people, working on the other side of a border comes naturally. However, the Nordic Region falls below the European average in terms of the number of cross-border commuters. To meet our shared objectives and maximise the potential of a fully integrated region, we must step up the pace at which we remove barriers to cross-border freedom of movement, especially in light of the challenges posed during and after the pandemic.

In 2024, the Swedish Presidency will actively strive to promote freedom of movement in all relevant constellations under the Nordic Council of Ministers, as well as via the Freedom of Movement Council. The mandate of the Freedom of Movement Council expires during the year, and when a new one is proposed, the Presidency will take initiatives to make its work and co-operation with relevant stakeholders more effective. This will include anchoring these efforts more clearly in both the Nordic Council of Ministers and the national governments.

The Presidency will encourage all official bodies to seek solutions that promote an even more integrated Nordic Region. This will involve prioritising areas of great importance to individuals’ opportunities to relocate and work without hindrance across national borders, such as ensuring digital access to official agencies in countries other than their country of residence. To facilitate decision-making, the Presidency will give priority to drawing up statistics for border regions.

An integrated Nordic Region in which it is easy to live, work and study in all of the countries was one of the main ideas that underpinned the agreement on a single Nordic labour market when it was signed on 22 May 1954. The Swedish Presidency will pay special attention to 70 years of the Nordic labour market and highlight its significance to the Nordic Region. Above all else, it will work to promote greater freedom of movement and tackle the shared challenges faced by the Nordic countries, such as skills shortages and skills matching.

The role of public-sector employment agencies has changed in recent years. Due to the ongoing reform of them in several of the Nordic countries and changes associated with digitalisation, the Presidency will focus on sharing experiences of reform and the potential to work together in the new structures, especially with regard to issues that affect skills supply.

It should be easy to live, study, work and run companies throughout the whole Nordic Region and across its borders.