Nordic Day on 23 March 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the Helsinki Treaty

On 23 March, all Nordic countries and Åland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland will celebrate the anniversary of the Helsinki Treaty, which was signed in 1962. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Helsinki Treaty, which serves as the legal framework for official Nordic cooperation.

Flying the flag at Helsinki City Hall to mark Nordic Day on 23 March 2021 Photo: Kimmo Räisänen.

The Helsinki Treaty defines the tasks and composition of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers as well as, overall, the main sectors and practices of Nordic cooperation. 
In 2022, the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers is held by Norway, which means that it chairs meetings in the configuration of intergovernmental cooperation while Finland, as President of the Nordic Council, chairs meetings of the parliamentary cooperation. 

While the Helsinki Treaty is celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Nordic Council, established in 1952, is celebrating impressive 70 years of cooperation. 

Several events will be organised on Nordic Day, in addition to which both the Parliament Building and its annexe, the Little Parliament, will fly the flags of the Nordic countries.   

This year, Nordic Day is celebrated in an exceptionally serious international situation because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland, together with the other Nordic countries, has strongly condemned Russia’s military attacks. The destabilisation of the European security system further emphasises the importance of unity between the Nordic countries.  

“Nordic Day serves both as an opportunity to raise awareness of Nordic cooperation and as a reminder to us all of it its importance for the wellbeing and security of our societies. The message of a unified and closely cooperating Nordic region, is now, following the armed attack by Russia on Ukraine, more timely and important than perhaps ever before,” says Minister for Nordic Cooperation Thomas Blomqvist

Nordic Day events 

During the day, Minister Blomqvist will attend three events on Nordic cooperation: