“Making it easier for companies and people to operate across national borders is crucial to boosting Nordic competitiveness and growth. Sweden therefore needs to focus on an integrated Nordic region without border barriers. Basically, it should be easy to live, study, work and run companies throughout the Nordic region and across its borders,” says Mr Kristersson. 

In 2019, Nordic prime ministers took on the goal of making the Nordic region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. 

The declaration contains clear references to the EU’s single market, which Norway and Iceland also belong to under the EEA Agreement, and to the EU’s ongoing work within the area of competitiveness. The declaration also emphasises the importance of the Nordic region’s continued ability to compete globally, particularly in light of geopolitical developments in sectors such as telecommunications. 

The summit took place in Stockholm on 13 May with heads of government from Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Sweden. Business representatives from the five Nordic countries also participated in the discussion on the future of competitiveness in the Nordic region.

Sweden holds the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2024.