A total of 19 MPs from the Swedish Parliament participated in the 78th Session of the Nordic Council at the Finnish Parliament in Helsinki on 26–29 October. This year’s theme, “Nordic Comprehensive Security”, focused on how the Nordic countries together can strengthen their security, preparedness and ability to meet the challenges of the future.
The Session of the Nordic Council is the largest political summit in the Nordic region and an important meeting place for parliamentarians from the Nordic countries. The session provides the opportunity to discuss common challenges, strengthen political cooperation and develop common solutions for the future. The opening day of the session began with a summit between the Nordic prime ministers and heads of government and the Nordic Council. The Finnish President Alexander Stubb participated as guest speaker and emphasised the importance of strong Nordic cooperation in the current international situation.
Security and continued support to Ukraine in focus
During the summit, the Nordic prime ministers and government leaders emphasised the importance of continued strong support for Ukraine. They also stressed the need to deepen Nordic cooperation in order to strengthen preparedness and security in several areas of society. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated in the foreign policy debate at the session, stressing the importance of the Nordic countries’ strong and sustained support for Ukraine.
President Stubb emphasised that Nordic cooperation enjoys strong support among the population and that the Nordic countries have good opportunities to jointly contribute to the development of the international arena. At the same time, he called for more concrete action to translate the cooperation into results.
Nordic preparedness and security in society
At the session, the Nordic Council adopted an updated strategy for security in society and preparedness. The Nordic Council would like to have clearer political responsibility and closer Nordic cooperation regarding preparedness, security of supply and democratic resilience. The new strategy contains concrete recommendations for the Nordic governments. The goal is a common Nordic situational awarenesses, common Nordic risk assessments and a better ability to act together before, during and after crises.
In connection with the session, the Nordic Council committees and presidium also gathered to discuss common Nordic challenges and political initiatives. One aspect that was highlighted is that efforts to eliminate border barriers need to be strengthened to equip the Nordic region in the face of possible crises. The agenda included increased cooperation between the Nordic countries and Canada, the Baltic Sea environment and sustainable fisheries, competitiveness in the Nordic region and digital self-sufficiency, as well as matters relating to welfare, health, education and culture.
One issue that was raised in several debates was the renewal of the Helsinki Agreement, which forms the basis for Nordic cooperation. Leaders from Greenland and the Faroe Islands stressed the importance of the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland being able to participate in Nordic cooperation on equal terms.
Norwegian domination when Nordic Council prizes were awarded for 2026.
In connection with the session, the Nordic Council prizes in literature, children and young people’s literature, film, music and environment were awarded to the 2026 laureates. The prize sum amounts to DKK 300,000 and was awarded on 27 October.
The Literature Prize went to Sigbjørn Skåden’s Láŋtdievvá (Planterhaug), while Hilde Hagerup was awarded the Children and Young People’s Literature Prize for Du eneste – the story of Gunvor Hofmo and Ruth Maier. The Film Prize went to Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier and others, the Music Prize to Elja by Kristine Tjøgersen and Benedicte Maurseth, and the Environment Prize to the young people’s organisation Miljøagentene. All five prizes went to Norwegian prize winners. For the first time in 35 years, the Nordic Council Literature Prize was awarded for a work written in Sami.
About the Nordic Council
In the Nordic Council, the parliaments and governments of the Nordic countries cooperate. The Council works as a national parliament – but at the Nordic level. The role of the Nordic Council is to take the initiative where it identifies problems that can be solved at the Nordic level or where opportunities can arise through cooperation. Furthermore, the Nordic Council has an advisory function in matters concerning two or more Nordic countries.
The Nordic Council was founded in 1952. It consists of 87 elected members from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland and the autonomous areas of the Faroe Islands, Åland and Greenland, as well as members from the governments of the countries/regions.
Further information
- About the Nordic Council on the Riksdag website
- Members of the Swedish delegation to the Nordic Council
- The Nordic Council 2026 session on the Nordic Council website
- Winners of the Nordic Council prizes 2026
Contact person for the media
Lena Eklöf, International Senior Adviser Secretary to the Delegation, International Department of the Riksdag, telephone: + 46 70 993 47 82, email: lena.eklof@riksdagen.se