Want to know how Norway feels about its relationship with the EU? The Norwegian Government has published its strategy for cooperation with the EU. #thread regjeringen.no/globalassets/d…
The first thing to note is that Norway does not see itself as a passive recipient of EU rules. “Through the EEA and Schengen agreements, we have found solutions that safeguard Norwegian interests.”
The report explains how Norway exerts influence over EU laws before they reach the voting stage. “We stand the greatest chance of gaining acceptance for our views if we formulate and promote our positions at an early stage of the EU policy development process.
“It is easier to influence the substance of a proposal when it is being developed by the European Commission than when it has already become the subject of negotiations in the Council of the EU and the European Parliament.
“Within the EEA, it is precisely during this preparatory phase of policy development, when new initiatives are being formulated by the European Commission and by EU agencies and supervisory bodies, that Norway has the best channels for communicating its views.
“Through the EEA Agreement, Norway is invited to participate in informal ministerial meetings on areas covered by the EEA Agreement, such as competitiveness, education, culture, the environment, employment, social policy, health, consumer policy, energy and transport.”
The report also explains that as Norway is not a member of the EU, it has to use alternative channels to exert influence. “Some of these channels are available to us through our agreements with the EU; we have to develop other channels ourselves.”
“Participation in formal and informal ministerial meetings that we have access to through Norway’s agreements with the EU enables us to network and build European contacts at the political level.
“All government ministers must maintain close contact with the relevant EU commissioner(s) and with their colleagues in EU member states. They must also cooperate closely with their colleagues in the other EEA EFTA states.”
“Under the EEA Agreement, Norway has the opportunity to put forward proposals and provide input when the European Commission and the EU’s agencies are developing initiatives in areas covered by the Agreement.
“We take part in working groups and expert groups, as well as in committees under the European Commission and in EU agencies. Around 50 experts from Norway are currently working in the European Commission and in EU agencies.”
Norway also lobbies EU member states to exert influence. “Norwegian missions in EU member states serve as important listening posts for identifying important issues and as channels for promoting Norwegian interests in the EU.”
“In some areas, and with certain member states, we are in the process of building more systematic, long-term relations. This work is intended to complement, rather than undermine, our extensive cooperation with the EU.”
Overall, Norway is pretty positive about its relationship with the EU. “The EEA Agreement occupies a unique position among the various agreements Norway has concluded with the EU to safeguard Norwegian interests.
“The EEA Agreement helps to ensure economic security and predictability. It is vital for the Norwegian business sector, for Norwegian jobs, and for our ability to maintain a sustainable welfare society.”
Carl Baudenbacher, former EFTA Court President, commented (on LinkedIn) on the document’s positive tone. “They wanted to play with what they thought were the big boys and girls. This led many of them to talk down the EEA Agreement.”
“One should also notice that two weeks ago PM Solberg welcomed the UK the EEA and said that with UK membership the bargaining power of the EFTA pillar would increase.
“This could be the start of a new development. And, who knows, it may offer a solution for Switzerland. Those who are against neo-mercantilism ought to join forces!”
Although Norway does say that EU membership offers “the greatest opportunities to participate in, and exert an influence on, European integration”, they note that support for the EEA Agreement is high and that they can exert influence despite lacking voting rights.
Finally, the level of influence Norway is able to exert may not be equivalent to what the UK could achieve as an EEA/EFTA member, given how much bigger the UK’s economy is. Nor does the report discuss the role Norway plays in shaping legislation at the global level.
