Conference highlights migration and demographic challenges in Nordic-Baltic region

Friday, 15 February 2013

Studies have shown that the population in the Nordic-Baltic region is rapidly aging, while the Baltic States also have to contend with the widespread emigration of working-age people. As such, immigration from the European Union and third countries is a reality that the Nordic countries must adjust to. At a conference in Tallinn on 7 & 8 March, experts and researchers will explore the challenges and possibilities that lie within population developments in the region.

Free movement of people is one of the fundamental rights of the European Union. It gives people the freedom to study, work, establish a family, foster their skills and broaden their horizons in other countries.

The 'Migration and Demographic Challenges in the Nordic-Baltic Region' conference will focus both broadly and systematically on [labour] migration and population change in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for the first time.

"Migration and the movement of labour are contributing to the development of and cooperation between the Nordic countries and the Baltic States," said Berth Sundström, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia. "This is very much a positive thing, but you have to recognise that if the movement is mostly in one direction, there's the risk of a brain drain which could lead to long-term social and economic instability in the region. Not to mention the aging population and the impact of the financial crisis. The Nordic-Baltic region is so tightly connected that we can't afford to ignore these threats. That's why we decided to initiate a project on migration and demographic challenges in the region."

The 'Migration and Demographic Challenges in the Nordic-Baltic Region' conference is designed to provide an overview of studies into migration and movement of labour in the region. It will provide attendees with an opportunity to make migration and development in the Nordic countries and Baltic States a success story and example to others in future – making the region as a whole attractive to qualified labour and to those who wish to return home after studying or working abroad.

The conference was devised by the Nordic Council of Ministers in association with the Swedish Embassy in Tallinn and the University of Tartu. The event will mark the start of the Swedish presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers for 2013 in Estonia.

The conference venue is Kumu art museum in Tallinn. The working language is English. The event is free of charge but registration is required by 1 March.

Find out more about the conference, programme and registration here.

Click here to read about the conference in Swedish.

Contact:
Madis Kanarbik
Head of Tartu branch
Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia
Telephone: +372 742 3625
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


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