FOREWORD BY THE MINISTERS FOR NORDIC CO-OPERATION

During the Finnish and Ålandic co-presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2025, we will continue our efforts to deliver on Vision 2030 and its three strategic priorities. The political priorities of each administrative area have now been identified in the sectoral cooperation programmes and their work plans. It is important that we truly get stuck into the work needed to reach our 2030 finish line.

The last few years have seen fundamental changes in society and the security situation in our neighbourhood. The challenges brought about by climate change and biodiversity loss are also especially important. We do not know when the next pandemic will occur. Hybrid influence activities are becoming increasingly common.

The Nordic countries stand out in global terms as equal and inclusive societies. Our strong freedom of the press and freedom of expression, combined with a media-literate population and strong rule of law, give us a sound foundation for resisting external influences. The Nordic Council of Ministers encompasses a large number of administrative sectors making it well-suited to work with civil preparedness and comprehensive security. The Finnish and Ålandic co-presidency wants to help ensure that the entire Nordic Region is as well-prepared as it can be for any crises that may occur.

This year, we will be focusing our attention on the Nordic Council of Ministers’ priority area “Children and Young People”. We also want to see a strong and wide-ranging commitment to this area going forward.

The planning phase of our renewed efforts to remove barriers to freedom of movement is now complete. We must continue these efforts, both as individual nations and as a region, to ensure that it is easy to live, study, work and do business in the other Nordic countries.

Regional efforts in neighbouring areas are continuously intensifying. We are very pleased to see that the Baltic countries are also becoming increasingly involved in Nordic cooperation. At the same time, efforts to profile the Nordic Region internationally are continuing, especially through the joint initiatives of Nordic embassies around the world.

There is now a stronger momentum for Nordic cooperation than there has been in a long time. This is true not only in the traditional fields of Nordic cooperation, such as culture and education, but also in other areas. A willingness to do more has spread across the board. Nevertheless, it is important not to take Nordic cooperation for granted. The presidency is seeking cooperation that is more ambitious and robust, that delivers Nordic solutions and new and sought-after knowledge, and that establishes platforms for Nordic cooperation. The Nordic advantage and added value must benefit us all. Our Nordic Region is strong, united and accessible to all of us.

In 2025, we are entering the final, most decisive phase of the implementation of Vision 2030. The whole Nordic Region is working towards the same goals. We can deliver results and promote relevant priorities through focused and effective cooperation.

We wish you all the best for Nordic cooperation in 2025.

Ministers for Nordic Co-operation of Finland, Anders Adlercreutz (right) and Åland, Annika Hambrudd (left). Photo: Katarina Koch