Norway and EU-reforms

The discussions among political groups and member countries within the European Union about reforms and integration may sound as distant drums for Norwegians, but the conclusions will be shaping important parts of the future also for us.

The EEA-agreement gives Norway access to EUs single market without being a member of the union. It also establishes cooperation in several other ares like protection of environment and consumers, research, education, culture, smb-assistance, tourism and statistics.When the agreement entered into force in 1994, Norway  acquired much EU legislation. After that we have signed several other agreements with the union. To day Norway have all in all acquired about 3/4 of the EU-laws compared with EU-member countries which take part in everything.

Most people will probably be of the opinion that the agreements have served both the EU and Norway well. There have been conflicts between the EU/EEA-rules and Norwegian traditions and policies, but not so many and some of them have also been solved in a way which allows Norway to continue its political course. But our affiliation to the EU represent a democratic deficit. This is because the agreements are largely dynamic - i.e. new EU laws which are relevant shall be incorporated  in the agreements as soon as possible. We have ceded powers to the union without being able to take part in the unions political processes like the member countries. Although we have some possibilities for influence, both directly in the EU-institutions and indirectly in international organizations which deliver premises for EU-politics in various areas, the general impression is that we have outsourced legislative authorithy to the EU.

The illusion of independence and distance in relation to EU also results in lesser involvement and public debate of EU-politics in Norway. Hence it becomes more difficult to control the authorities and hold them accountable in politics relating to EU and Europe.

More or less EU integration will affect Norways democratic deficit, but the Norwegians will be on the sidelines in the discussions.