State Of The Nordic Region 2020

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/nord2020-001/ Abstract [en] State of the Nordic Region 2020 gives you a unique look behind the scenes of the world’s most integrated region, comprised of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, along with the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland. The report presents a series of facts and figures showing the current state of play within core socioeconomic sectors, including demography, labour market and economy. In addition, you can read about wellbeing and energy pathways towards a carbon neutral Nordic Region. State of the Nordic Region 2020 is published by the Nordic Council of Ministers and produced by Nordregio, an international research center for regional development and planning established by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

This Special Edition aims to complement State of the Nordic Region 2020 by taking an in-depth look at some of the factors that contribute to wellbeing and health in the Nordic Region, and exploring how digitalisation in health care and social care can contribute to wellbeing. The report illustrates the central role of demography, whereby the composition and the spatial patterns of the population together with socio-economic factors contribute to shaping the living conditions and wellbeing in different parts of the Nordic Region. Despite a general pattern of urban regions being richer, more well educated and living longer, we also find many thriving rural areas attracting new young residents. Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role for the development of those rural areas.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/politiknord2023-728/ Our Vision 2030 describes what it will take to make the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. The sheer ambition makes it important to monitor progress closely. To this end, the Nordic Council of Ministers commissioned Rambøll Management Consulting to conduct baseline measurements back in 2021. The idea was to map out the starting point for work on the vision. This status report follows up on the baseline measurements and assesses progress towards realising the vision. It is based on the 45 indicators adopted by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2021 and the methodology used for the baseline report. Overall, the 2023 status report shows that the Nordic Region remains on track to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. This is particularly true for the visions of a competitive Nordic Region and a socially sustainable Nordic Region. However, there is room for improvement with regard to the visions for a green Nordic Region.

The Nordic ministers for regional affairs hereby present a joint Nordic co-operation programme that aims to lay the foundation for the evolved exchange of knowledge, to provide examples of successful initiatives within priority policy areas, and to strengthen joint efforts relating to regional policy in the Nordic Region. Nordic co-operation on regional policy has a long history of creating good opportunities for learning, understanding, and joint action. This co-operation is based on the insight that joint learning and solutions are key to achieving results together that contribute to the sustainable development of the individual regions within the Nordic Region as a whole.

The Nordic Region 2030: The five Nordic countries have formed a federal political entity - the United Nordic Federation. The new federation, with its joint constitution, joint government and population of 25 million, is a brand-new and major player on the European stage - well it would be if the countries have the courage to make it happen. The controversial historian Gunnar Wetterberg provides objective and detailed arguments for a new Nordic federation. A real federation, with responsibility for foreign and defence policy, the economic framework and all of the key legislative areas, from immigration to social policy. Last year, Wetterberg breathed new life into the debate about the rebirth of the Kalmar Union. The emotional, hard-hitting debate resonated all the way to Germany, Spain and Italy. He now presents his vision of the United Nordic Federation in theNordic Council and Nordic Council of Ministers' Yearbook 2010. His highly controversial proposal is expected to reignite the debate in all five of the Nordic countries.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/politiknord2022-724/ In 2019, the Nordic prime ministers adopted a vision for the Nordic Region to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by the year 2030. The Nordic Council of Ministers was tasked with steering Nordic co-operation towards delivering this vision. The Nordic Council of Ministers is following a special action plan in its efforts relating to the vision for the period 2021 to 2024. Now, after almost two years, a mid-point evaluation has been produced. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine during the period, the Nordic Council of Ministers has delivered concrete results and made an impact. The activities of the Nordic Council of Ministers are being steered towards supporting the Nordic countries as well as possible in their realisation of the vision. Efforts relating to the green transition have been bolstered by way of DKK 120 million in additional funding thanks to a budget redistribution in the period 2021 to 2024. The mid-point evaluation was approved by the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation in September 2022.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/nord2021-020/ The Nordic Council of Ministers is the world’s oldest community of its kind. In the Council, the Nordic countries co-operate in all kinds of areas from the climate and the environment to education, workplaces, and children and young people. The Nordic region contains three areas, five countries and 27 million people. When we work together in the region, we are stronger and can make a difference for the whole world. In this folder you can read more about the Nordic Council of Ministers.