More important role for the Nordic Region in Europe

23.06.16 | News
Dagfinn Høybråten
Commenting on the outcome of the UK referendum, the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers Dagfinn Høybråten says that well-integrated and effective Nordic co-operation will be even more meaningful in this new situation. The majority of the British electorate voted to leave the European Union in a referendum on Thursday – a decision that will have consequences for Nordic co-operation.

In recent years, the Nordic countries have focused on strengthening their co-operation on EU issues.

“It’s too early to assess the impact of the result of the British referendum,” Høybråten said; “but it is my belief that Nordic co-operation will be further deepened as a result.”

“The ability of the Nordic countries to safeguard their common interests within the EU is greater if they work together than if they act alone,” he points out. “The objective of avoiding more border barriers within the Nordic Region, for instance, requires efforts that co-ordinate the implementation of EU legislation in our countries.”

The ambition of the Nordic Council of Ministers is to boost the importance, visibility, and role of Nordic political values in Europe.

“This area of our work is no less central than before,” concludes Høybråten.