Theme

A private initiative became the beginning of a dynamic district halfway between Malmö Central and Copenhagen Airport. The Eurovision Song Contest was recently staged here and in June, participants this week gathered to celebrate 70 years of the common Nordic labour market.

Sweden’s Minister for Employment Johan Pehrson has painted a picture of the Nordic region as a beacon in northern Europe, offering hope and opportunities to people. But what does the agreement on the common Nordic labour market really mean beyond what is already regulated by the EU?

It would seem we are so comfortable in our home countries that we see few reasons to apply for work in or move to a different Nordic country.

The Nordic Labour Journal asked some of the participants at the conference marking 70 years of the common labour market what it means to them – personally or for their respective countries’ labour markets.

A new Øresund agreement has been signed. But there are still challenges facing commuters who regularly cross a Nordic national border to get to work.

Like tens of thousands of other Swedish youths, Danielle Backström travelled to Norway to work. She became one of the “Party Swedes” who worked in restaurants, cafés and bars. Since then, she has worked as a home carer and with plants. Now, she is training to become a seamstress.

The common Nordic labour market was established with little fanfare in 1954. Yet over time it has become one of the main pillars of the Nordic cooperation.