The Centre Group has four visions that are intended to be in the vanguard of Nordic cooperation.
The Nordic countries as economic forerunners
The Nordic countries and the entire Baltic Sea region have an excellent foundation to succeed in the increasingly globalised world. The keys to our success include the high level of education, a strong welfare society, stable economy, trust in our future and a well-functioning labour market. As an example of cooperation we could mention research in fields where the individual countries would lack the necessary resources if they were to work on their own.
The Centre Group wants to improve the Nordic cooperation in areas where it is possible for us to work together and to gain added value and benefits for our citizens. The Centre Group places special emphasis on removing obstacles to cross-border freedom of movement that complicate the development of business in the Nordic countries.
The Nordic Countries as the forerunners in the cooperation with neighbouring areas
The members of the Nordic parliaments and the Nordic governments played an active role when Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania gained independence at the turn of the 1990s. Since those days our countries have developed close friendships. It is also important to develop cooperation with Russia, Poland and Germany in order to support the stability and continual development of the Baltic Sea region.
The Centre Group hopes that the Nordic countries should take an active role in the development of the Baltic Sea region and that the cooperation between the arctic regions should be developed to meet future challenges.
The Nordic Countries as the forerunners of a borderless Europe
The European Union has not rendered the cooperation in the Nordic Council or the Nordic Council of Ministers unnecessary. On the contrary, with the expansion of the European Union, regional cooperation has become more significant than ever. The Nordic countries share a common view about the society’s responsibility in welfare policy. They have shared interests in international cooperation that are typical to small countries.
The Centre Group’s opinion is that the Nordic cooperation on EU legislation – from the preparation of statutes to their enforcement – could be significantly optimised. This would prevent the formation of new bureaucratic obstacles between the Nordic countries. The Nordic countries could also assume a more active role in the establishment of a borderless Europe, and especially in those issues that have brought us global recognition: the environment and sustainable development, equality, human rights and tolerance.
Close EU cooperation is also important for Norway and Iceland, which are part of the European single market through the EEA agreement. Regional cooperation should have effects that benefit the entire Europe.
The Nordic countries could also assume a more active role in the establishment of a borderless Europe and especially in those issues that have brought us global recognition: welfare, equality, human rights, tolerance, environment and sustainable development, clean food.
The Nordic Countries as a cultural centre of power
Nordic cooperation is unique because it is based on a close historical, cultural and linguistic bond. Culture is the cornerstone of Nordic cooperation.
The Nordic countries are also connected by stability and social freedom that is based on democracy and a strong civil society. On a global scale, the Nordic Countries have traditionally played an active role by defending peace, liberty and the human rights.
The Centre Group continues to work towards the preservation and reinforcement of the unique cultural and educational cooperation between the Nordic countries.
