Photo: EU- delgasjonen

Norway and the European Union

Norway is one of very few western European countries not to be a member of the European Union. Norway has held a referendum on the issue of EU membership twice, first in 1972 and then again in 1994. On both occasions, a rather narrow majority of the Norwegian population rejected membership (in 1994, 52% were against and 48% were in favour).

€1.79 billion to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe

15/01/2010 //

Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have agreed with the European Union on new financial contributions for the period 2009-14. The beneficiary states of the EEA Grants will be the 12 most recent EU members plus Greece, Portugal and Spain. The Norway Grants are earmarked for the 12 newest members. The priority sectors include environmental protection, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage.

Negotiation outcome – agreed minutes

02/02/2010 //

On 18 December 2009, the chief negotiators of the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein signed what are know as agreed minutes containing the outcome of the negotiations between the EU and the EFTA states on new financial mechanisms and improved market access for specific fish products for the period 2009–2013.

Norway joins cooperation on energy grid in the North Sea

03/02/2010 //

On Februar 2nd the Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Riis-Johansen, signed a political declaration on strengthening the regional cooperation on development of an offshore energy grid in the North Sea region. Norway then joins nine other European countries who have already signed the declaration.

Ambitious and stimulating review of EEA Agreement

02/02/2010 //

On 7 January, the Norwegian Government established a broad-based independent committee to undertake a thorough, research-based review of the EEA Agreement. The establishment of an independent review committee was first announced in the Government’s new policy platform in October.

International year of biodiversity

02/02/2010 //

In January the UN International Year of Biodiversity 2010 was officially opened. Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway provide important support to protecting biodiversity in Europe.

Norway and the European Union

€1.79 billion to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe

Negotiation outcome – agreed minutes

Norway joins cooperation on energy grid in the North Sea

Ambitious and stimulating review of EEA Agreement

International year of biodiversity

The Norwegian Mission to the EU