In Focus
Kjell-Arne Ottosson: Wants faster train connections and new Council of Minsters
The Nordic Council unanimously declared five years ago it wanted to create a council of ministers for transport and infrastructure as part of the Nordic cooperation. But so far the countries’ prime ministers have not picked up on this, despite major infrastructure investments inside and between the countries.
Jump on the bus: Iceland’s bold new transport plan
In Iceland, plans for a new public transport system to connect the capital region's population is being met with both excitement and criticism. Some 250,000 people live in the Capital Area (Reykjavik and the five municipalities in the region), which is roughly two-thirds of the country's entire population.
Working on the Baltic Sea – long shifts and a close community
The ferries between the Nordics and the Baltics are important transport corridors and keep a lot of people in employment. One of the boats doing the crossing is Aura Seaways, where 52 crew live and work for four weeks at a time.
Electric planes herald new traffic patterns in the Nordics
Electric planes might do more than reduce CO2 emissions. They could also open up a new category of commuting with new, shorter routes. Electric planes would also bring new jobs to manufacturing and at smaller airfields.
Finland's largest industrial project finally finished
The Olkiluoto nuclear power plant has been called a forever project. The first two reactors were built in the 1970s. Now the third reactor has come online, after more than 30 years.
Denmark's 50 years long tug-of-war with the EU
Denmark is the EU veteran among the Nordic countries. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Denmark joining the EC, as it was called back then. And during all these years, the Danes – with increasing difficulty – have fought to maintain their labour market model. Now, they have run out of patience and the tug of war has culminated with Denmark trying to have the minimum wage directive ruled invalid.
Norwegians still largely negative to EU membership
It is nearly 30 years since Norwegians voted no to EU membership for the last time – so far. The chances for another referendum are slim.
Iceland starting to ponder EU membership
Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009, after the collapse of the banking system almost bankrupted the country. The government at the time, led by the EU-friendly Social Democratic Party, believed membership was vital for financial stability. The Euro was also seen as better than the small and unstable krona.
How the EEA grant gives Norway influence in the EU
Norway and Iceland have full access to the EU internal market thanks to the EEA agreement. But they have to pay a fee. Between 2004 and 2021, Norway paid a total of 60 billion Norwegian kroner (€5.3bn) for access. The difference is that the country has a say in what the money is used for, which brings both influence and attention. A new report details what has been achieved.
Female entrepreneur, CEO and role model
Hanne Jarmer is the inventor of a wall-mounted robot that exercises dogs’ brains. She is also a role model for female entrepreneurs who generally find it far harder than men to attract investors.
Norwegian nuclear physicist: make space for pink in science
Sunniva Johanne Rose is a physicist and blogger. She is good at sciences but also loves shoes, makeup, interior design and fashion. During her academic career, she has faced much prejudice against women in pink.
2023 Gender Equality Barometer: a dramatic fall
A dramatic fall from 92 to 77 female points – that is the result in the Nordic Labour Journal’s gender equality barometer 2023. It measures whether a man or a woman holds 24 positions of power in the five Nordic countries. 100 points for both genders would mean full equality.
Finland shows the way towards a circular economy
Finland wants to be a world leader in the change towards a circular economy. To do that, the country has taken a holistic approach and written the world’s first national roadmap detailing the necessary measures.
EU initiative will make circular products the new normal
Sustainable and circular products will be the new normal in EU markets. That is at least the idea behind the EU Commission’s initiative for a new circular economy action plan which is now being scrutinised by the EU decision-making machinery.
How donated textiles become new clothes
Fashion and textiles are environmental bad guys in terms of raw material production, work environments and pollution from processes to finished products and transport. There are many ideas for circular solutions in all parts of the chain, but it will take time to turn this big ship around.
Sustainability brings new Nordic retail jobs
Clas Ohlson is one of the companies striving to make a difference for the planet. It aims to be carbon neutral with a circular value chain by 2045 and is already underway.
Sustainability requirements at the Copenhagen Fashion Week
For the first time ever, the Nordics’ largest fashion week has implemented sustainability requirements for participating fashion brands. A new era, but the road to a sustainable fashion industry is long, says expert.
Nordic cooperation spans everyday and fateful issues
“The Nordic Council deals with everyday issues of concern to the Nordic citizens,” Erkki Tuomioja told the media just before opening the 74th session in Helsinki on 1 November in his role as the Council President. Yet never before has a session been so dominated by big, existential issues.
27 years since the last changes: Time to revise the Helsinki Treaty?
During its meeting in Helsinki in early November, the Nordic Council decided to call on the Nordic governments to start a “joint discussion with the Nordic Council about how the Nordic countries can better anchor the Nordic cooperation.” Or in other words: revise the Helsinki Treaty.
How unique is the Nordic Council?
How unique is the Nordic cooperation, with its Nordic Council and Nordic Council of Ministers? The nearest European parallels are the Benelux Union and the Benelux Parliament. At least in one area they have taken cooperation even further. But while people in the Nordics call themselves nordbor, no one calls themselves Beneluxianian.
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