Nordics gathered for summit on unity during turbulent times 27-30.10
Stockholm became the political capital of the Nordic Region for a week when the Nordic Council convened in Sweden’s Riksdag between 27-30 October. Members of parliament, prime ministers, ministers, and experts from across the Nordic Region gathered to discuss the development of Nordic co-operation and how we can strengthen unity in troubled times. The keynote guest was the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The theme for this year´s session was “The Nordics, together – Nordic value and cohesion in troubled times”. There were a variety of issues on the agenda – How can we safeguard the security of our citizens? How do we uphold trust and democracy? And how do we build on the values that make the Nordic Region one of the most trusting and sustainable regions in the world?
On the official opening day, 28 October, a summit was held between the Nordic Council and the Nordic prime ministers. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was also present as this year’s keynote guest to make an address at the summit.
But the Session was about more than politics at head-of-government level. It was also an arena for dialogue, co-operation, and inspiration. Sweden’s Riksdag was filled with debates on everything from climate and welfare to education, culture, and the green transition. During the week, party group and committee meetings took place, as well as several major plenary debates, including on foreign and defence policy, with key ministers in attendance.
On 28 October, it was the week’s cultural highlight – the awarding of the Nordic Council prizes in literature, children’s and young people’s literature, music, film, and the environment. The awards ceremony was hosted by Finnish-Swedish actress Stina Ekblad and streamed live from the lower chamber hall of the Riksdag.
The Session of the Nordic Council is the largest Nordic forum of the year for dialogue between parliaments and governments. On the final day, 30 October, members voted on the recommendations to forward to the Nordic Council of Ministers and the governments. These are decisions that affect everything from cross-border co-operation to concrete improvements in the day-to-day lives of Nordic citizens.
See the full programme and broadcasts of the session here .
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