New accord for the Nordic countries makes movement easier

The Minister of Nordic cooperation and the Danish delegation to the Nordic Council have reached an agreement on reduction of border barriers in the Nordic region,

 which was a clear priority in the government declaration. Economic growth, employment, and the economic potential of the Nordic countries are all in focus in a new accord between the government and all political parties of the parliament. The intention is to make movement and employment across the Nordic borders easier for the mutual benefit of the whole region. With the new agreement Denmark has become a frontrunner on the subject among Nordic countries, as it obliges Denmark to take the initiative.

Easier movement between Nordic countries

The agreement had the consent of all political parties in parliament and is the first of its kind. It effectively relieves corporations and citizens in the Nordic countries of burdens related to movement, work and education across borders in the Nordic region.

The ambition is to make even more effective use of the great potential in the Nordic community as a whole. It shall, practically, be possible to move across borders in the Nordic region without ending up in a legal grey area deprived of clear rules and legislation. The agreement makes it easier for students and graduates alike, to do internships and work in other Nordic countries without being burdened by tax regulations and differing social security regulations as well as many other rules.

”I am very pleased by the fact that the agreement was backed by all political parties. The barriers practically mean that we are not utilizing the full potential of Nordic corporation. We intend to change that – for the benefit of all Nordic countries” says Minister of Nordic Cooperation Manu Sareen.

Denmarkgets rid of the barriers

Debates about barriers were last year held in all five Nordic parliaments, and Denmark has with the new agreement, which sets the agenda for the work with the barriers in Danish ministries, become a frontrunner on the subject among Nordic countries.

With this agreement, Denmark obligates itself to take the initiative. "This is an important milestone for Nordic cooperation. We hope that the other Nordic countries will come as far as we have and that we can reach consensus on some kind of strengthened access for citizens to complain when confronted with futile barriers” says the Head of the Danish delegation to the Nordic council Bertel Haarder. 

A recent survey conducted by the Øresundscommittee shows clearly that a few barriers between Sweden and Denmark impacts negatively on the economy and costs millions of kroner each year. Danish and Swedish economy has for instance an annual loss of about 280 million kroner because of problems related to the educational sector, which means that several degrees and titles receives no formal credit on the other side of the shore.  

Source: kroatien.um.dk, 9 April 2013