Public Affairs in the Nordics – a different ball game

Certain political, societal and behavioural characteristics are shared by the Nordic countries which affect the playing field for Public Affairs Professionals. High degree of trust in general, but also in public authorities, which also work differently than in other parts of Europe.

Politically, the social democratic welfare state has strongly influenced societies and stimulated a strong veneration for equality, minorities and certain corporatist structures. For businesses operating in this field, this legacy requires a different approach to Public Affairs than in e.g. Brussels or Washington.

A few examples of special situations in which I have assisted (2024/2025):

An international company in the healthcare space wanted to set up a Nordic Public Affairs hub – required a different approach than other markets
A European company in the chemical industry wanted to launch Public Affairs campaigns across Nordic markets
A Brussel based EU-head wanted monthly reports on politcal developments in the Nordics alongside legislative process in the EU
A European company wanted election assessments on potential changes to their industry – especially as consumer (voter) sentiment in the Nordics can spread to other markets

Whether one or the other, there can be a need for an outside, honest and realistic second opinion as Public Affairs in the Nordics differs from other parts of the world.

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