The fact that three of the Nordic countries are Member States of the European Union and two are integrated into European cooperation through the EEA Agreement means that the countries which are involved in Nordic cooperation need to take into account their different affiliations and obligations. In March next year, Nordic cooperation s relation to European cooperation will be put to the test in a concrete manner, when the Schengen Agreement will become valid in all Nordic countries. This cooperation has been subject to thorough preparation for years, and it is now time to implement the acquis. All Nordic countries are now in the midst of a developmental phase which is characterized by big and radical changes, not least in the field of information society and communications technology. We are moving towards a world which is increasingly based on information and knowledge.
Globalisation brings about new possibilities and new challenges but also new threat images.
Finland will promote Nordic cooperation which is targeted at the development of information society by raising the issue in the different ministerial councils and official committees. A number of important IT projects have been taken to Finland s agenda. We are also prepared to convene the ministers responsible for IT issues for a meeting during our chairmanship, if required. Regarding education policy, priority is given to the principle of lifelong learning. Special attention will be given to the ageing with a low basic education and to their educational needs.