The Impact of Covid-19 on the Free Movement Regime in the North Analysis of Border Closures in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden

Abstract

In this article, we analyse the measures during the Covid-19 pandemic with which the Nordic countries Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland have placed restrictions based on the Free Movement Directive 2004/38/ec and reintroduced internal border controls stipulated in the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation 2016/399). Although currently regulated by these EU rules, Nordic free movement dates back to the common Nordic labour market and Nordic passport union established in the 1950s. Already in the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, all Nordic countries except Sweden decided to reintroduce stricter internal border controls and restrict the entry of EU citizens into their countries. The article analyses these restrictions and illustrates that the countries interpret EU rules differently, lack a common Nordic approach to EU law in the field of free movement, and compromise even the rule of law.