The Nordic Region – safer, greener, freer

Due to Russia’s brutal and illegal aggression against Ukraine, the Nordic Region and Europe are now in the most serious security situation in a very long time. This also makes our co-operation, and defence of democracy and the right of all people to live in peace and freedom more important than ever.

Our nations share a history, basic values and a strong democratic tradition of democracy. Based on those pillars, we have devised ways of working together to address not only security policy crises and challenges, but also issues concerning climate and the environment, energy, law enforcement, civil emergency preparedness and much more. Sweden will assume this Presidency with the firm conviction that ever-closer Nordic co-operation is crucial for our countries’ shared prosperity and resilience. Standing together will make us stronger and safer.

The vision of the Nordic Region as the most integrated and sustainable region in the world by 2030 will guide the work of the Swedish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2024. We will continue efforts to ensure the region remains a leader in the green transition, globally competitive and socially sustainable in line with the strategic priorities we have set out together.

Nordic co-operation is an engine for growth. In many ways, we are one of the most competitive regions in the world. In fact, the Nordic Region is the world’s twelfth-largest economy and big enough to be part of the G20. It is home to world leaders in industry, green technology, mobility, digitalisation, and research and development. There is much to be proud of, but our economic strength and position must not be taken for granted. Continuing to make it easier for companies and people to operate across borders is a crucial parameter.

The Swedish Presidency will focus on measures to improve cross-border mobility and integration. In this context, we will pay special attention to the fact that the joint Nordic labour market has served our nations well for 70 years and contributed to our shared prosperity.

In 2024, Sweden will also chair the informal Nordic and Nordic-Baltic co-operation formats for foreign and security policy. Continued strong support for Ukraine and its struggle for freedom will be a priority in this work. As free democracies, it is our obligation and duty to support those who fight for the same rights and, by extension, defend our own.

The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the Minister for Nordic Co-operation Jessika Roswall.