ABSTRACT
Transborder co-operation in the Nordic area initially refers to nine established transborder regions on the internal borders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. It also includes the self-governing areas of Greenland, the Faeroe Islands and the Aland Islands. The transborder regions co-operate on a broad range of issues and have a high involvement of local and regional partners. The North Calotte co-operation involving the Nordic regions above the Polar Circle was initiated by the governments of Finland, Norway, and Sweden in 1967. The transborder organisations submitted a one-year programme document together with a financial plan. Instead of assessing the eligibility of each individual project, the Nordic Committee of Regional Officials decided upon an annual lump sum contribution based on the programme documents. Besides cultural and historic interests, transborder co-operation can bestow the participating regions a stronger position in relation to other regions or national authorities. Transborder co-operation may also be instrumental in obtaining additional resources for a region.
