THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE NORDIC COUNTRIES

The Nordic countries find themselves today in a situation in which str uctural changes are needed to obtain economic growth, but in which the expansion of the European Union, on the other hand, offers new growth opportunities. For the EU to be able to live up to the expectations t he member countries must actively engage in its development. The Nordi c countries could together make a contribution to simplify the bureauc racy and increase the openness and transparency of the decision making process. They could also work for a more clearly defined division of responsibilities between the European Union and its member states. As the EU increases its sphere of influence the latter issue becomes incr easingly important.