In 2022, the PISA international study showed that standards had fallen in the Nordic countries. Pupils in all of them scored significantly lower than the previous tests, even though they remained above the OECD average in all three subject areas. The latest data, published on 8 September 2026, reveals a further decline in performance.
From 31 August to 1 September, a delegation from the Nordic Council took part in the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) in Lübeck, Germany. The conference brought together parliamentarians, experts and officials, along with 49 youth delegates. This year’s theme was “Youth set sail”, putting young people’s voices at the heart of the conference.
This December, food waste leaders from across Europe and the Nordic region will meet in Copenhagen for the second Nordic Food Waste Summit. Register your interest today and join the conversation on how to accelerate action against food waste and build more sustainable food systems across Europe.
The Nordic Council of Ministers is launching Nordic Currents, a new international cultural initiative to be implemented during 2027 and 2028. With the initiative, the Nordic countries are seeking to strengthen their cultural presence in the Nordic Region, create new international collaborations, and give more people the opportunity to experience Nordic art and culture. A call will open on 1 October 2026 aimed at cultural organisations among the Nordic countries’ European neighbours who want to develop a project together with Nordic partners. The application window will be open until 1 November.
Events in Finland, Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Åland this autumn will showcase some of the initiatives on the shortlist for the Nordic Council Environment Prize 2026, and provide you with an opportunity to hear all about the important work they do to engage coming generations in climate and environmental issues.
This year, six Nordic films have been nominated for the prestigious Nordic Council Film Prize. The nominees will be presented on Tuesday 25 August at the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund, Norway. The winner will be announced on 20 October. This year, one documentary and five feature films have been nominated.
On 22 and 23 June, the Nordic Council Committee for Knowledge and Culture gathered in Skagen for its summer meeting. The agenda focused on cultural heritage preparedness, the skills needed for the future, and how educational environments can better support children and young people with diverse needs. During the meeting, committee members explored several local examples reflecting shared challenges and opportunities across the Nordic Region.
“Trust is one of the most important resources in the Nordic Region.” This was the starting point for the Nordic Youth Council’s summer camp on Utøya. Around 50 engaged young people from across the Nordic Region and Ukraine came together to spend four days sharing ideas, building relationships, and discussing the future.