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).

A historical overview

single european act creditation Commission Audiovisual service.JPG
Photo: EC.Audiovisual service.JPG

Labour Market

Through the EEA Agreement Norway is part of an integrated European labour market. The rules cover free movement of workers, mutual recognition of diplomas, social security, health and safety at work, labour law and equal treatment of women and men. The European Employment Strategy is not part of the EEA Agreement. However, the Norwegian Government intends to participate in the exchange of ideas...

Research and Technology

Under the EEA Agreement, Norway takes part in all EU programmes and activities in the field of research .

Regional Policy

The EU regional policy is not a part of the EEA agreement. However, Norway has participated in INTERREG since January 1,1995. INTERREG is a part of EU’s regional policy, financed by the Structural Funds. The Norwegian participation has been financed by the country’s own economic resource from national, regional and local level. Norway participates in INTERREG on almost equal conditions as the E...

Agriculture

Agriculture is not a part of the EEA Agreement, with the exception of veterinary and phytosanitary measures. However, custom duties for processed agricultural products (Protocol 3) and the development of trade concerning basic agricultural products between the EU and Norway (Article 19) are included in the agreement.

Security & Defence

Over the last few years, important steps have been taken to increase European crisis management capabilities within the EU itself and within the framework of EU-NATO co-operation. Norway is firmly committed to this endeavour. A coherent and capable Europe is a significant force for peace and stability.

Justice, Freedom and Security

Justice and home Affairs (JHA) is one of the most dynamic areas of political cooperation in the EU. Norway participates in central parts of the justice and home affairs cooperation through the Schengen and Dublin agreements and various other agreements. Norway also participates in the JHA cooperation through the EEA agreement, specifically through the Civil Protection Mechanism. Measures under ...

Information Society

The EEA Agreement does not open up for participation in the policymaking on the Information Society. However, Norway implements EU directives regarding the framework for electronic signatures and certain legal aspects of electronic commerce.

The Norwegian Mission to the EU