Combining social security with economic performance, the ”Nordic model” still inspires a wide range of European societies. Gender equality, inclusive social security, economic growth and social integration seem to be more successfully implemented in the Nordics than in any other parts of the world. What are this welfare model’s strengths and what challenges does it face? What can be learned from this model from a German perspective? In which way can the Nordic countries profit from German experiences? And, which common challenges do these individual societies face in the future?
These questions shape and guide the work of the FES in the Nordic Countries. The FES office in Stockholm was founded in 2006 with the goal to foster German-Nordic cooperation. The regional project encompasses Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway.
Renowned for their innovative social policies and for the high standards of their democratic institutions and their focus on equality and inclusiveness, the Nordic countries are a synonym for modern democratic welfare states.
The Nordics are famous for their high-tech exporting economies, boasting high productivity and innovativeness. This success relies on a long tradition of social partnership with strong trade unions with a level of membership.
The Nordic countries with a strong track-record on supporting multilateral organisations initiatives, are situated in two regions of increased geopolitical interests and heightened security tensions: The Arctic circle and the Baltic Sea.
