The theme was chosen as a natural continuation of the Danish chairmanship s welfare theme. Over the years the Nordic cooperation has been able to react flexibly to the demands arising from changes in the Nordic countries and in the surrounding world. The most recent manifestation of the sensitive nature which characterizes Nordic cooperation is the fresh report presented by the Panel of Wise Men and Women just before this session. Its deep roots and vitality have helped maintain cooperation also in times when unity has been put to the test.
Nordic cooperation is based on democracy, identity and community.
In spite of the different decisions the Nordic countries have made in Europe, cooperation has in a unique way represented a uniting element for the five Nordic countries and the three self-governing regions. Based on these aspects, the Finnish chairmanship will continue the work taking into account, inter alia , the work of the Panel of Wise Men and Women, in order to bring about closer cooperation to the benefit of the Nordic citizens. Finland is going to raise an initiative concerning examination of current rights and the biggest remaining obstacles between the Nordic countries. The project has obvious common points of interest with the work focusing on the removal of border barriers, which was started during the Swedish chairmanship. 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.