Together we are stronger
The Nordic countries with a combined population of 26 million people make a strong region full of fascinating culture, mystical nature and diverse range of industries. The Nordic countries rank high in global surveys of competitiveness, quality of life and equality. The five countries have together developed into welfare societies positioned among the leading economies in the world.
Although each Nordic country has gone its own way - all five countries are not members of EU and NATO - there is an unwavering desire to work together. After two world wars, the feeling of closeness and interdependence was strengthened, and formal cooperation began between governments and parliamentarians. Quickly, and long before the European collaboration, this gave the Nordic region a passport union, a common labour market, and coordinated solutions for social security.
Facts
- Countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland + autonomous territories Åland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.
- The Nordic Council was formed in 1952 and is the official inter-parliamentary body for cooperation in the Nordic Region.
- The Nordic Council of Ministers was formed in 1971 and is the official inter-governmental body for cooperation in the Nordic Region.
- The Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia was opened in spring 1991.
- The secretariat is situated in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- The Nordic Council of Ministers has several offices and institutions in the Nordic countries but also offices in the Baltic States.
- Official website of Nordic cooperation: www.norden.org.
- Find out more: history, languages, maps, policies, statistics, etc. of the Nordic region.
Nordic Values
- Openness and a belief in everyone's right to express their opinions
- Trust in each other and also, because of proximity to power, trust n leaders in society
- Compassion, tolerance, and conviction about the equal value of all people
- Sustainable management of the environment and development of natural resources
- New ways of thinking, focusing on creativity and innovations
Norden in Estonia
We, the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia, bring together Nordic and Estonian (or Baltic) politicians, civil servants, experts, representatives from the private sector and opinion leaders in areas of common interest:
- Green growth, sustainable development and environment.
- Challenges of the welfare model (fight against trafficking in human beings, gender equality, etc.).
- Culture and creative industries.
- Education, science and innovation.
- Regional cooperation (population development, (labour) migration, etc.).
We have an adviser for each of the topics.
We help to maintain and create networks in order to make the Nordic-Baltic region a front-runner in a globalised world.
Guidelines for our activities
- Prioritised themes in Nordic cooperation
- Guidelines for the Nordic Council of Ministers' cooperation with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from 2014
- Presidency programme of the Nordic Council of Ministers
We provide information about Nordic and Baltic joint funding schemes. On our website you will find news, events and links to publications that give an overview of topics important for the Nordic countries and enhance the cooperation of Estonia and the Nordic region.
Our head office is situated in Tallinn but we also have a branch office in Tartu.