Renewed fight against Nordic border obstacles
Nordic Labour Journal has drawn up a top 10 list of border obstacles which make it harder to lead a family life or to live and work across the Nordic borders. Because a border obstacle is not something that takes place on the border checkpoint, but rather laws and rules which can lead to economic loss, insecurity or a feeling of being unfairly treated compared to colleagues. A Nordic working group is now drawing up suggestions for how to solve 39 border obstacles. Essi Rentola, who heads the group, estimates between a third and half of the proposals need to be solved on an EU level. Yet in reality most Nordic citizens move around within the Nordic region, says Ole Norrback. He has been working, talking and pushing for change for more than 10 years to minimise border obstacles and is encouraging politicians to "make clear decisions and give clear political signals".
New ways of life increase need for Nordic ombudsman
Border obstacles have been on the political agenda since the Common Nordic Labour Market was established in 1954. When one obstacle is removed, another pops up. This is not only because Nordic countries introduce new legislation without considering the consequences for neighbouring countries, or because they adapt different EU directives. It is also because our relationship with the nationstate has changed. Just like the terms 'married' or 'single' no longer suffice to describe modern family life, we are increasingly living a life on both sides of the border.
Ole Norrback: Border obstacles are all about political will
While Nordic politicians talk about the challenges of globalisation and how to turn the Nordic region into a dynamic region of growth, new border obstacles emerge to complicate lives of citizens and businesses alike.
The ten most serious border obstacles
Border obstacles are not only things that make it difficult for Nordic citizens to settle down and work in a different Nordic country from their own. They are also problems which arise when you move back home, when you fall ill or when you need to draw your pension. NLJ and the Freedom of Movement Forum have drawn up a list of the ten most important border obstacles for working life.
Nordic working group to suggest how to remove border obstacles
A Nordic working group has been commissioned to present solutions for how to remove 39 border obstacles identified as being to the detriment of working life and social insurance systems in the Nordic countries. The group's chairperson is Essi Rentola. She estimates between a third and half of all the obstacles need to be solved on an EU level because they affect the entire Union and not only the Nordic countries.
