We must all be able to live, work and do business in every part of the Nordic Region

The Nordic ministers for regional affairs met in Karlstad, Sweden, today. The Swedish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers focused on having attractive, competitive and resilient regions throughout all of the Nordic countries – both urban and rural.  

“We need to make it even more attractive to live, work and do business in all parts of the Nordic Region and across our Nordic borders. is crucial for civil contingency planning, the green transition, business development and competitiveness. Regional policy, planning and Nordic co-operation play important roles in this process," says Peter Kullgren, Minister for Rural Affairs in Sweden. 

Climate change and the new security situation have made clear the need for the Nordic regions to be resilient, adaptable and prepared for crises – from natural disasters to negative external pressures. Strong regional civil contingency planning is an important part of this. The people of the Nordic Region must have access to transport, electricity and food supplies, as well as private and public services, even in the event of a crisis, including in rural areas. With this in mind, the ministers for regional affairs have tasked Nordregio with presenting tangible recommendations on how regional policy in the Nordic countries can help improve regional civil contingency planning and resilience. The report and recommendations will be presented in early 2025.   

For the Nordic Region to be socially balanced, green, competitive and resilient, it has to be attractive to live, work, study and do business anywhere in the Nordic countries. Living conditions need to be good and safe – in everyday life and in times of crisis. It is important that the solutions to the challenges the Nordic countries face in promoting the green transition and ensuring a strong, competitive and adaptable Nordic Region are based on the regions’ positions of strength and on local adaptability, A future programme for co-operation in the area will focus on these points. It will be launched in October at the Session of the Nordic Council.