With the bridge across the Øresund it has become very easy to commute between Denmark and Sweden. One of the objectives for the region is also to integrate the two countries’ labour markets and make the work force more mobile. This requires certain alignments of the legislation in Denmark and Sweden. The two governments acknowledge this need and have started the process.
The integration between Denmark and Sweden will make it possible for companies and private persons to benefit from opportunities in the whole region. The opportunities will arise in line with the harmonisation of certain regulations:
- Free movement of labour and goods as both countries are members of the EU
- Harmonisation of social security
- Integration of the unemployment insurance agencies
Other opportunities arise because of the resemblance between Danish and Swedish language and culture. But also due to the ease of travelling and commuting between many different places in the two countries.
Agreements between the Danish and Swedish government have broken down many barriers to the free movement of labour between the two countries. For instance, neither residence nor work permit are required for Danes and Swedes in order to work across the border.
Below, we have outlined some of the problems that arise when living in one country and working in the other:
