Nordic delegation to Barents Conference

Parliamentarians from Norway, Finland, Iceland, Russia and Sweden are set to attend the fourth Barents Parliamentary Conference in Syktyvkar, Russia, 26-27 May. The main themes will be indigenous peoples, the environment and the role of parliamentarians in the socio-economic development of the Barents Region.

The Nordic delegation has two main priorities: ensuring that education is included as part of the EU’s Northern Dimension Cultural Partnership, and that regional co-operation is seen in relation to the Northern Dimension, with the Dimension acting as an umbrella for the respective areas. In addition to the Cultural Partnership, the Northern Dimension also covers partnerships for the environment, health and social care.

The Nordic Council delegation includes Vice-President Kent Olsson, Berit Brørby and Asmund Kristoffersen.

The Northern Dimension addresses regional challenges in the far north, a region that includes the EEA member states Norway and Iceland, as well as Russia. The aim is to encourage closer dialogue and co-operation between the EU and its member states, as well as the EEA and Russia.

The Barents Parliamentary Conference conference is an integral part of inter-parliamentary co-operation in the region.

The Nordic Council consists of members of the national parliaments representing the Nordic countries and autonomous territories. Work on policy issues in the Nordic Council is conducted via committees and political party groups for the benefit of Nordic citizens. They meet for plenary discussions with the Nordic ministers at the Nordic Council’s annual Session.

Source: Norden.org