Many Norwegians are inactive powerfully opposed to EU membership. The oil-rich country fears it will become a net contributor. But now the debate has rekindled — and it is becoming a key electoral issue. However, to convince skeptics, a certain script would should be fulfilled.
Norway must join the EU
Norwegian politicians have been avoiding the subject of EU membership for years. The referendum on membership failed twice, last November 1994, and fewer even wanted to consider a 3rd attempt. Until now.
Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, and his aggressive abroad policy has not missed even his closest partners, In Norway There are more and more voices calling for the reopening of the debate on EU membership. A fewer months before the September parliamentary elections, this issue besides hit the political arena — and could become a major question in the election campaign.
"If the planet has changed so dramatically in specified a short time, Norwegian politicians must take appropriate action. Norway must join the EU," commented the paper "Verdens Gang". Staying outside the strongest democratic community is “gambling”. akin calls, but besides strong objections, can now be found in all major media in the country.
“The EU has long missed the front pages of Norwegian newspapers so often,” says Carine Germond, prof. of European studies at the Norwegian University of discipline and Technology in Trondheim. “The large stimulus is Trump. Especially since the Customs War, the debate on EU membership has rekindled,” he adds.
Norway initially received lower duties than the EU in the Trump tariff round, but is besides powerfully affected by the impact on the EU marketplace due to close economical links. As a associate of the European economical Area (EEA) and the Schengen area, the country has direct access to the Single Market; more than two-thirds of Norwegian exports go to the EU.
American customs are putting force on Oslo
In return, the country must adopt many regulations from Brussels. More than 90% of EU rules presently apply besides in Norway – import duties are 1 of the fewer exceptions that are primarily aimed at protecting national agriculture. Oslo has no formal impact on the negotiation and adoption of these provisions.
This could possibly be the demolition of the country in situations specified as customs conflict: Norway must hope that the EU will besides include Norwegian interests in possible remedies. Accordingly, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr store rushed to Brussels shortly after the criminal duties were announced to meet European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to discuss a joint response.
Supporters of Norway's accession to the EU argue that it would take place at the negotiating table and would not depend on Brussels' goodwill. On the another hand, skeptics claim that giving up national sovereignty could harm the national economy. A resource - rich country has a billion - dollar state wealth fund and fears that it would become a net contributor in the event of accession.
The economical benefits of EU membership are a well-known dilemma that has divided Norway into 2 camps for decades. However, since Trump took office, a second, possibly decisive dimension has joined economical issues: national security.
The continued interest of the US president Greenland, who belongs to Denmark, and the verbal attacks on NATO partners besides rise in Norway the question of how much the transatlantic partnership can inactive be relied on — and whether Norway's defence capabilities would not be better positioned as an EU member.
