The Nordic Council
During the years immediately after the Second World War, the idea of a formal co-operative forum between the Nordic countries was realized. Understanding was reached within the region on the need for a Nordic alliance in economic, foreign affairs and defence matters, resulting in the foundation of the Nordic Council in 1952.

The founding countries were Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Finland joined in 1955 and fifteen years later, in 1970, the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Aaland were granted representation on the council. Greenland was granted representation in 1984.

One of the first decisions reached by the Council was to abolish passport regulations for Nordic citizens travelling within the region. Shortly afterwards new policies for an open labour market and social security were adopted.