Nordic Cooperation

Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, as well as Åland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland participate in Nordic co-operation. The Nordic Council of Ministers, which was established in 1971, and which includes the above-mentioned countries and autonomous, self-governing territories, is the official body for inter-governmental co-operation in the Nordic Region. The prime ministers bear the main responsibility for co-operation, and each country's Government also has a minister for Nordic co-operation. The Nordic Council of Ministers' Secretariat is located in Copenhagen. 

The Nordic countries are developing solutions to environmental issues also in the neighbouring areas. For example, the Nordic Council of Ministers is an observer in the Arctic Council. Environmental and climate issues are also promoted in the Baltic Sea region, and many Nordic authorities have worked together outside the Council of Ministers for a long time. For instance, experts from the authorities responsible for construction, housing and regional planning meet regularly for joint Nordic meetings. In addition, the Nordic countries engage in cross-border cooperation at regional level. Bilateral cooperation between Finland and Sweden is regular. 

Environmental and climate co-operation between the Nordic parliaments takes place first and foremost in the Nordic Council and its Committee for a Sustainable Nordic Region. 

Nordic Council of Ministers 

In the Nordic Council of Ministers, the environment and climate ministers have the main responsibility for environmental and climate issues. The ministers meet around twice a year, and the Nordic countries hold the rotating presidency of the Council of Ministers on an annual basis. During its presidency in 2025, Finland chaired the Nordic Council of Ministers and its committees.  

In accordance with the cooperation programme for the environment and climate, adopted in 2024, the Nordic countries will in 2025-2030 work together to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, reduce the risks of chemical substances and products, protect the marine environment and marine resources, preserve biodiversity, and promote circular economy and sustainable consumption and production. A total of 16 thematic programmes covers the entire area of co-operation. The programmes started operating in 2025. 

Construction and housing 

In recent years, the ministers responsible for building and housing cooperation have met annually. In their statements, the ministers have emphasised the importance of low-carbon construction and the circular economy. The Nordic countries have decided to strengthen their co-operation on construction, including in the EU. The Ministry of the Environment will also participate in the construction and housing cooperation of the Council of Ministers during the period 2025-2027. In particular, the circular economy and good practices in sustainable construction will be promoted in the cooperation. 

Spatial planning and cross-border cooperation 

In Finland, both the Ministry of Employment and the economy and the Ministry of the Environment are responsible for Nordic co-operation on regional development and spatial planning. For instance, the responsible ministries decide on the funding of Nordregio and several border committees. Nordregio is a Nordic research centre focusing on regional development. 

Several regional organisations promoting cross-border co-operation are funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. In Finland, cooperation takes place in Kvarken, the Tornionjoki Valley, the northern parts of the Bay of Bothnia, the North Calotte and the archipelago of Finland, Aland and Sweden. Cross-border cooperation involves infrastructure and transport projects as well as environmental projects. 

Nordic Environment Prize 

The Nordic Council Environment Prize is awarded annually to a person, company or organisation that has promoted environmental protection. The theme of the prize varies from year to year. 

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel  

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel aims to provide as impartial information as possible on the environmental load of consumer products and services. There are over 15,000 products and services in Finland that have received the Swan label. 

Nordic financial institutions 

The Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) fund environmental projects primarily in the neighbouring areas. The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) supports projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The headquarters of NEFCO, NIB and NDF are located in Helsinki. 

 

More information

Bo Storrank, Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of the Environment, Ministerial Governance and International Affairs Department, International and EU Affairs Telephone:0295250346   Email Address: