The 78th annual Session of the Nordic Council took place between October 26 and 29, with Nordic comprehensive security at the centre of the discussions. This year’s Session in Helsinki brought together 87 Nordic parliamentarians – prime ministers, ministers and elected representatives to discuss shared priorities and agree on future direction for the Nordic co-operation.
The Session of the Nordic Council is the largest annual forum for political dialogue between the Nordic parliaments and governments. It is hosted by the national parliament of the country holding the Presidency of the Nordic Council that year, with the Presidency rotating annually. Finnish presidency had set Nordic comprehensive security at the centre of the discussions, and since Finland shares a long border with Russia, security and war in Ukraine remained high on the agenda throughout the Session. Latvia was represented by Nina Hvid Enevoldsen, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, and members of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Jānis Vucāns.
This year’s guest speaker was Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who addressed the plenary and joined discussions with Nordic leaders. His appearance attracted particular attention following his telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, held on October 27 together with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and in consultation with Ukraine. In his address, Stubb also highlighted the importance of Nordic-Baltic (NB8) co-operation and the security of the Baltic Sea region.
“[Nordics] are one of the most integrated regions in the world, but we can go even further. When it comes to comprehensive security, we must enhance our preparedness and strengthen our ability to protect critical infrastructure. We need close cooperation on cyber security, security of supply, energy and supply chains – security in the Baltic region must be viewed as a whole. This is why alongside Nordic cooperation, the deepened collaboration with the Baltic States – the NB8 – is important and valuable.”
– Alexander Stubb, President of Finland.
The Ukrainian delegation was also invited to attend the Session, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed the parliamentarians at the plenary session, calling for continued Nordic support and united diplomatic efforts towards peace. Ukraine's presence underlined the importance of keeping the war and its implications for European security high on the Nordic political agenda, while discussions also touched on the need for stronger international co-operation in support of Ukraine.
18 decisions and recommendations adopted
The Session adopted 18 decisions and recommendations. Among them were proposals for a joint Nordic assessment of climate and food security risks linked to changes in ocean circulation, a new strategy to improve young people’s media literacy and address AI-related risks and a review of the impact of border controls on cross-border commuters. Other initiatives include exploring a joint vaccination register for people over 65 and strengthening parliamentary co-operation with Canada.
Moreover, the Nordic Council unanimously adopted an updated strategy for societal security and preparedness, which is important because it calls for closer co-operation in areas that directly affect people's everyday security, including emergency preparedness, energy and medicine supplies, critical infrastructure and the protection of democratic institutions.
“Nordic success is founded on co-operation. When we listen to research, prepare for change in good time and seek solutions together, we can build a safer and more sustainable future for the Nordic countries”
– Ville Väyrynen, President of the Nordic Council.
The Nordic Youth Council also held its 55th Session in Helsinki on October 23–25, gathering around 80 youngsters from across the Nordic region. Topics covered by the youth representatives evolved around their confidence in the future, freedom of expression, polarisation, participation in local democracy processes, access to psychological support, as well as the Nordic culture and languages. Of the 30 resolutions submitted, 17 were adopted and will be forwarded to the Nordic Council’s committees. Traditionally, the new President of the Nordic Youth Council was elected – in 2027 the position will be held by Jóhannis Erlendsson from the Faroe Islands.
The annual Nordic Council Prizes are also awarded as part of the Session. This year’s winners were celebrated at a ceremony at the University of Helsinki on October 27.
Next year the Nordic Council Session will take place in Denmark.
