BUSINESS PARTNER
INTERVIEW
H.E. JØRN EUGEN GJELSTAD, AMBASSADOR OF NORWAY TO SERBIA
WE TREASURE TRUST
Between Citizens And Institutions Independent institutions, inclusive parliamentary procedures, media freedom and anti-corruption are indeed the keys to any political ambition regarding societal development. We are happy to support Serbia in its efforts to embrace these values
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ome experts suggest that cooperation in the Western Balkan should start from the Nordic example of bringing national parliaments to work together. H.E. Jørn Eugen Gjelstad, Ambassador of Norway to Serbia, believes that this is just one of the strong sides of the Nordic model. “I believe that the most important effect and impact the Nordic model has ever had on Nordic societies is its capacity to create a high level of trust between citizens and their institutions. This is sometimes referred to as the “Nordic Gold”, and rightly so in my opinion. The Nordic region has strong, transparent and effective institutions, which are all kept accountable and anchored within a political system based on the rule of law”, says the ambassador, adding: “this construct has managed to deliver confidence, trust and a basic perception among the citizens that “the authorities care and stand up for me”. Another feature of Nordic societies has been the ability
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to foster a genuine cross-party debate in order to forge a broad consensus on issues of national interest, explains our interlocutor. “A third dimension is the effort exerted by the Nordic countries to enter into cross-border cooperation with a view to improving quality of life through increased economic cooperation, the dissemination of technology and access to higher education, services and culture,” concludes Ambassador Gjelstad. Would these solutions be viable at the current level of democracy and freedom of press in the Western Balkan countries? - I truly believe that the values and principles guiding the societal development of the Nordic region, such as independent institutions, inclusive parliamentary procedures, media freedom, anti-corruption, equality, innovation and environmental protection, are the keys to any political ambition regarding societal development. Its opposites can easily bring a society into stagnation or prompt setbacks.
