In difficult times, we must stand together.
“This is a state of emergency that few of us have experienced before. The pandemic heavily impacts all the Nordic countries and respects no borders. In such circumstances, it is extremely important to maintain a comprehensive view and not lose sight of the benefits of coordinating actions between countries. Nordic cooperation and international collaboration open up possibilities that benefit each of the countries,” says Silja Dögg Gunnarsdóttir, a Member of Parliament for Framsókn and President of the Nordic Council in a statement.
Silja Dögg emphasises the importance of safeguarding the elderly and others who belong to risk groups. She understands that authorities are forced to take drastic measures in these unprecedented times.
“At the same time, it is reassuring to see that the public in the Nordic countries truly trusts that the authorities will make the right decisions. It shows the strong foundation on which our Nordic societies are built.”
Community security a priority in the Nordic Council
Community security and cooperation in times of crisis are important areas for the Nordic Council. Most recently at the Council meeting in October 2019, it unanimously adopted a new policy document on community security. The policy document proposes increasing cooperation in various fields, including regarding welfare and health preparedness.
“The Nordic countries already have excellent cooperation in many different fields. The policy document contains various practical proposals on how the cooperation can be even better in times of crisis, something the Nordic Council wants to continue working on,” says Silja Dögg.
The work continues in the form of remote meetings
The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic also affects the work of the Nordic Council. For instance, the thematic session of the Council, which was to be held on 30–31 March in Helsinki, has been cancelled and the same applies to the Council's symposium in Brussels on 17–18 March.
The political work of the Nordic Council nevertheless continues despite the pandemic. Numerous remote meetings are taking place and preparations for continued work after the pandemic subsides are in full swing.
Source: norden.org
