The UK is still considering the Norway options. Why is Norway reluctant to UK joining the #EEA? Here is a thread (11 points) laying out some issues. Some of these concerns also applies to other #EFTA states @NickBoles @simonjhix @anandMenon1 @HusseinHKassim @nupinytt, @sletnes
1/11 The overall optics. The EEA has been a good platform for integration with the EU. N has benefited from integration. Some fear the UK might use it as platform for disintegration.
2/11 One voice. When new legal acts are added to the EEA Agreement, the EFTA states speaks with one voice. UK will therefore have a veto over Norway and vice versa. N and UK share interests in many areas, but disagree in some important areas. 8000 + legal acts have been added.
3/11 Sincere intentions. Some in the UK has suggested that you can enter the EEA and trigger the EEA safety clause, Art 112, to suspend free movement of persons. If the UK joins it must be sincere in its intentions. Joining for suspending is not.
4/11 The EEA agreement has been in force in 25 years. It has never been renegotiated, even if the EU has changed its treaties several times. Few in the EU and in EFTA believe that you can get a much better deal. Entering for renegotiating creates uncertanties.
5/11 If it aint broke, don’t fix it. The EU and EFTA have balanced formal rules and informal practices, consistent with the fact that one of the parts is 500 mills plus and the other is 5 mill + inhabitants. Some worry it will not work as smoothly if put to a test
6/11 Domestic issues. The EEA is a delicate domestic compromise, few wants to undermine this. One should be cautious about putting your own model at risk, for solving the problem of others. If Uk is polarized when entering the EEA, it can become trouble for others.
7/11 Unclear benefits for Norway. Whats in it for N? Little. UK in the EEA might increase the strength of the EFTA side and the quality of the EEA institutions. But it might slow decision making, increase frictions, and reduce homogeneity. Why risk it?
8/11 There is no historical precedents of enlargement of the EFTA side. It was not advocated in relation to the East and Central European countries, and not with regards to the Micro states. It carries the label “Not for export”. EEA has expanded because of EU enlargements
9/11 Some say that Norway fear losing its “great power” status in EFTA? Well, Norway is not a great power and it rather likes to engage with the bigger states. I never found this argument convincing. N wants close and orderly cooperation with the EU and UK.
10/11 Still, if the EU and the UK jointly supports the EEA option, and if the UK expresses sincere intentions, commitment to the principles, and accept the whole agreement, I still think Norway will not refuse the UK joining. Adding some benefits to N will help.
11/11 If the UK joins, and if trust is regained, we can hope that we can have a larger reflection on how the EU and its associated non-members can best co-operate. But this is an issue some years down the road.
