Theme
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Tourism, yes please – but on the locals’ terms
Tourism is coming in for increased criticism, especially in Spain, but also in other popular destinations like Amsterdam, Berlin and Venice. Unease about the number of tourists also exists in some places in the Nordics, and many are working on strategies for more sustainable tourism.
8 minutes -
Swedish Sofia is a nurse in Norway – wants simplified rules
Swedish Sofia Krogh is happy in her job in Indre Østfold municipality in Norway. The pay and pension scheme are good, and her colleagues are nice. Nevertheless, the nurse has considered leaving her job in her neighbouring country several times. The paperwork is demotivating.
7 minutes -
Sounding the alarm for Nordic languages
Expectations are high for the updated declaration on a Nordic language policy which is now being implemented. New technology and digitalisation are included as tools to strengthen the smaller languages and interest in language. But will young people rather use English?
8 minutes -
The Øresund Bridge: 25 years in a region that creates dynamics
The Nordic region’s largest labour market this year celebrates 25 years of a fixed link between two countries, in a border region without its own legislation. Instead, two countries must coordinate and cooperate based on their respective laws and regulations.
13 minutes -
The Border Service: It should be easy to get it right
For nearly 30 years, Grensetjänsten Norge–Sverige in Morokulien has provided help for people and businesses crossing the border. Their motto: “It should be easy to get it right”.
5 minutes -
More active border obstacle role for Nordic cooperation ministers
A new six-year programme aims to strengthen the work for freedom of movement in the Nordic region. The goal is to remove more border obstacles, strengthen mobility and secure clearer political ownership when working to improve free movement.
5 minutes -
Little, strong Utsira – life in Norway’s smallest municipality
When a young Julie Faldt Faurholt moved from Denmark’s smallest municipality – the island of Læsø – she was determined she would never live in such a small place again. But the island she lives on now is far smaller. With 217 people, Utsira is Norway’s smallest municipality.
15 minutes -
Rich in iron ore, poor in inhabitants
In Pajala in Northern Sweden, the local authority is grateful for the mine but also struggles to maintain and recruit workers.
9 minutes -
Municipal Denmark to unite freedom and control
“Setting free” is the topic of the day in Danish municipal and national politics. It is seen as a possible key to delivering welfare services to citizens despite fewer resources and labour shortages. Helsingør municipality has had good experiences, but the upcoming local elections could throw a spanner in the works.
7 minutes -
Finland’s April elections a test for local power structure
Finland holds municipal elections in April. At the same time, there are council elections in 21 so-called wellbeing services counties. After the healthcare reform, they will be responsible for social and healthcare services. But interest in running as a candidate and in voting seems to be falling. Perhaps due to a worsening economy and reduced…
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