Svenske danseband puster lettet ut

The Norwegian government is set to extend the current arrangement for Swedish musicians crossing borders for performances, until a new solution is found, according to a statement from the Finance Ministry spokesperson Bård Flaarønning. This news comes as a relief to Swedish musicians and concert organizers, who have feared the need to obtain expensive customs documents for each performance that could cost up to 25,000 kroner.

The Musikerförbundet, the Swedish Musicians' Union, has been actively pushing for a simpler solution, after the government eliminated an old exemption in February that allowed musicians to bring instruments across borders for short periods. The Musikerförbundet has been in contact with the Finance Department, sending them letters and complaints, but the government has not been able to provide a clear solution so far.

In an email, Flaarønning emphasized the importance of the Norwegian-Swedish cultural exchange and the government's commitment to making the regulations easier to use for musicians who frequently cross borders. The government has informed the Finance Department that they will consider a long-term solution that would make it easy and predictable for musicians to cross borders while also addressing the government's budget concerns. In the meantime, the existing rules will remain in place until further notice.