Norway and the EU

Norway and the European Union

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:40:27 GMT

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

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:28:13 GMT

Financial Services and Statistics

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:57:11 GMT

Financial services are covered by the EEA Agreement and Norway has implemented the relevant legislation of the EU in this field. Co-operation in the field of statistics is also covered by the EEA Agreement.

Economic and Monetary Policy

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:00:12 GMT

As a non-member of the EU Norway is not part of the Economic and Monetary Union. However, Norwegian authorities have regular contacts with representatives from EU member states and the European Commission on economic and monetary matters, both at political and at administrative level.

Regional Policy

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:29:26 GMT

The EU regional policy is not a part of the EEA agreement. However, Norway has participated in EUs programme for funding of interregional cooperation, INTERREG, since 1996. The Norwegian participation is financed by the country’s own economic resource from national, regional and local level. Norway participates in INTERREG on almost equal conditions as the EU Member States.

Education

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:59:30 GMT

Through the EEA Agreement Norway participates in most of the EU programmes in the field of education, training and youth. Students from primary education to universities take part in the exchange programmes. Norway also takes part in horisontal activities such as peer learning activities and progress reports.

Research and Technology

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:12:06 GMT

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

Justice, Freedom and Security

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:03:45 GMT

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 the EEA agreement also include cooperation on preparedness, critical infrastructure, use of explosives, transport security and product safety.

Trade Policy

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:15:19 GMT

Through membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) Norway is part of the EU's Internal Market. The EEA is, however, not a customs union. Hence, trade policy towards third countries remains outside the scope of the EEA. However, in WTO negotiations it has been important for Norway to stay in close contact with our main trading partners, the most important of which is the EU.

Agriculture

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:19:00 GMT

With the exception of veterinary and phytosanitary measures, agricultural policy is not a part of the EEA Agreement. 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.

Competition

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:58:15 GMT

The EEA Agreement establishes a system that ensures equal conditions of competition for goods and services covered by the agreement throughout the European Economic Area (Article 1 EEA).

Energy

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:16:59 GMT

Norway is a part of the internal energy market through the EEA Agreement and co-operates with the EU on several energy policy issues.

Enterprise Policy

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:02:06 GMT

EU enterprise policy as such falls outside the EEA Agreement. However, some of the EU programmes in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship fall within the scope of the Agreement. Important policy developments and activities are followed closely by the EEA/EFTA countries.

Food Safety

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:12:34 GMT

The EU has established a significant body of legislation relating to all stages of the food chain, which has been implemented by Norway and the other EFTA EEA States.

Fisheries

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:19:55 GMT

The EEA Agreement does not cover the management of Norwegian fisheries resources. The co-operation on resource management between Norway and the EU is based on bilateral agreements. Trade in fish and fish products, however, is regulated through Protocol 9 to the EEA Agreement.

Environment

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:58:11 GMT

Norway adopts most of the EU environmental policies and legislation as part of the European Economic Area (EEA). Norway is participating actively to contribute to the development of the environmental policy of the EU.

Labour Market

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:57:51 GMT

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 and practices on employment policies.

Security & Defence

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:01:14 GMT

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.

Information Society

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:12:49 GMT

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.

Health

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:13:33 GMT

EU instruments in the field of health and social affairs include legislation, programmes and other measures, mainly within the framework of the internal market, but also as horizontal issues. A majority of these instruments have been part of the EEA Agreement from the outset, but a substantial number have been included at a later stage in parallel with developments in the EU.