The Nordic countries weathered the COVID-19 pandemic relatively well compared to most other high-income countries, both in terms of public health and economic repercussions. Infection and excess mortality rates were comparatively low in the Nordic Region, except in Sweden, where they relied more on recommendations and guidelines than mandatory measures to contain the spread of the virus. The fall in GDP was also comparatively small and short-lived in all of the countries except Iceland, where tourism plays a more prominent role in the economy.

This issue of the Nordic Economic Policy Review surveys the economic repercussions of the pandemic and the health and economic policies introduced to minimise its impact in the Nordic countries. Although national policies were broadly similar, they also differed in many respects. Given that some enjoyed greater success than others, comparing different policies and their effects may yield valuable lessons for the future.

We welcome you to the launch of the 2022 issue of Nordic Economic Policy Review on 8 June at the Nordic Culture Point in Helsinki. Here you will hear three of the authors present their articles as well as an expert panel.

Register here

Programme

09.00 – 09.55 Coffee

10.00 – 10.05 Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services, Mr Aki Lindén

10.05 – 10.10 Harry Flam, professor emeritus and editor

10.10 – 10.25 Torben Andersen, University of Aarhus

10.25 – 10.40 Lars Hultkrantz, School of Business, Örebro University

10.40 – 10.55 Kristiina Huttunen, Aalto University School of Business

Questions after each presentation

11.00 – 11.30 Panel: Joakim Sonnegård, Swedish Corona commission; Seppo Honkapohja, Aalto University School of Business; and TBC

Moderator: Oskar Nordström Skans, professor and co-editor

11.30 – 12.00 Light lunch

The event is co-produced with Nordregio. The event will be live streamed on the Nordregio YouTube channel.