The Nordic countries collective agreement systems face, similar to other bargaining
models, a wide range of challenges as a result of globalisation and increased
European integration. Some concern the further development and
strengthening of the European and national social dialogue. Others are related to
the new forms of cross-border collaboration and negotiations taking place
within multi-national corporations (MNC's).

This research paper examines a series of challenges facing the collective
bargaining systems in Denmark, Estonia, Northern Ireland and Sweden. These
countries represent four distinct labour market systems with different traditions
of social dialogue and allow comparison of how different EU member states
handled the recent challenges caused by the increased European integration.