The Svinesund Committee is a political collaboration between Swedish and Norwegian municipalities, Østfold County Municipality, and Västra Götaland Region. The purpose is to create new opportunities for business, jobs, and development in the region. The committee operates on behalf of its members and in line with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ cooperation program for regional development and planning.
Our focus areas include blue and green growth, tourism, and border opportunities. The Svinesund Committee is a non-profit association aiming to be a forum for Nordic cooperation.
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen development in the region. We work to eliminate the obstacles created by national borders and provide opportunities for residents to work, run businesses, and collaborate between Norway and Sweden.
Our mission is to:
- Be the institutional infrastructure for cross-border political collaboration.
- Facilitate cross-border cooperation and growth for local and regional actors.
- Initiate and drive cross-border development projects.
- Facilitate solutions for cross-border obstacles and contribute to regional opportunities.
- Increase awareness of the region and place the region’s themes on the national agendas.
- Contribute to the implementation of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ cooperation program for regional development and planning.
- Manage the non-profit association Svinesund Committee.
The activities of the Svinesund Committee are financed through membership fees, contributions from the Nordic Council of Ministers, operating contributions from Västra Götaland Region, and project funds from, among others, the EU and the county/region).
The committee’s work is based on the members’ development strategies:
Viken regional planning strategy 2021-2030 (From 2024 onwards, Viken is dissolved, and Østfold fylkeskommune is our new member), regional development strategy for Västra Götaland 2030, operational plan for the Fyrbodal Municipal Association, Nordic Council of Ministers’ cooperation program for regional development and planning 2021-2024. The Svinesund Committee is mentioned as a key player in strengthening the region in an analysis from the OECD, “Territorial Reviews: The Megaregion of Western Scandinavia 2018”.
One of the strongest border regions in the Nordic countries
Our vision
To further develop the border area of Østfold-Västra Götaland as the most vibrant and sustainable Scandinavian border region.
Our overarching goals
To promote sustainable development, growth, and employment in the region
Contribute to the national border creating opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses.