As a Norwegian this is news to me.
Literally no one here is talking about the EU.
There is a billion times more talk about Norway joining the EU on listnook then in actual Norway.
102
Mailman71 day ago
+45
Sums Listnook up really.
45
Acrobatic-Skill63501 day ago
+2
There were some mentions of it pre election, especially with høyre saying they wouldnt hold a eu referendum with the argument that it would end with not joining
2
QuestGalaxy1 day ago
+5
There has actually been more talk of EU now than in many many years.
I'm Norwegian too btw.
5
Distinct_Piccolo_65422 hr ago
This is just untrue if you follow politics, Europabevegelsen has had an explosion of new members since Trump took office.
0
Worng_Speling14 hr ago
-3
It annoys me that there is so much resistance in the population against EU. I would love to see Norway as a part of the EU project.
-3
GroundProximity10 hr ago
+2
What are you smoking? there is absolutely 0 reason for Norway to castrate itself by joining the EU. Insanity.
2
WorkAccount190511 hr ago
+1
You are welcome to move to the EU.
1
Drowyz1 day ago
+43
Internally in Norway this is not a discussion outside of the pro-eu minority. The largest party according to polls is against membership and wants to exit Schengen and EEA for immigration reasons while the coalition in charge is against membership to protect labor unions and our soverignty.
As a politically interested norwegian, I have no doubt in my mind that we will NOT be joining. We MIGHT have a referendum within the next 10 years but that is doubtfull.
43
arcanehornet_1 day ago
+1
Is it still the fishing issue that’s making people nervous? I’m interested to hear from a local.
1
Drowyz1 day ago
+18
There are several fishing issues, but that is just one of several concerns. Oil/gas and energy is more immediate.
We have over generations built up publicly owned hydro-power which provides c**** and sustainable power. A few years back, ACER went into effect with the establishment of massive power cables connecting us to germany, the uk and denmark. In effect, we export our c**** and green electricity while buying back expensive coal power when the water level are low from generating power for export.
A thing to note, we do not have gas lines, we use electricity to cook and heat our houses. Our investment into publicly owned hydro has enabled us to center our usage around electricity being c**** and green, so when the power prices increase by 500% people were outraged.
18
Migaso1 day ago
-9
Interconnector cables have nothing to with Acer or the EU though.
-9
Aggressive_Cut96261 day ago
+6
Its free market access,
When the power grid in germany needs more they import more. Free market principles means you can’t differentiate in prices between customers, so Norwegian and swedish customers ends up with german prices.
Edit: this is an oversimplification, but it boils down to prices and legislation rather than availability of electricity
6
IDidYour23 hr ago
+1
The thing that makes me a sceptic is that we give up more control to urbanized central Europe. Like mountainous Norway might find some common points with the Swiss (who also aren't a part) and Austria, but for the rest of the countries in the EU, we are not gonna have the same interests when it comes to land utilization. As for the sea, there are more countries geographically similar to some minor degree, but even there Norway is kind of unique with over 200 000 Islands. For referance, Italy has like 500 and Spain has like 200 or something, so these are the people we would be working together with to find satisfactory maritime politics.
So far we would essentially just be ceeding the last bit of control over our own politics regarding these issues for the promise that the the union will hear every voice, but our voice would be alone so it's not that different from today.
However, its absolutely possible that joining the EU could give us a disproportionate voice in internal affairs. I just don't think it will happen.
Also, there are bonus points against with foreign news sources and politicians constantly debating how they would administer the Norwegian oil fund better if only they could get just the tiniest hold on it. Like they're telling us "with any justification, we are gonna seize it" and with the Norwegian state being the highest authority in Norway, they can't do that. However joining the union could change that, and that's concerning. Not that it will be easy for them to seize it, but that they're talking about it before having any justification for it says something.
1
logtransform1 day ago
-6
This is a misrepresentation of reality.
The ruling Labour party is in favour of joining the EU. There is no coalition government. The Conservative Party, the Green Party and the Liberal Party are also in favour.
Since Norway already is in the EEA, there are few things that would change with an EU membership.
First, fishing and agriculture are policy areas not covered by the EEA agreement. Especially fishing rights is crucial to understand Norwegian resistance towards EU membership. Unless the EU can provide opt-outs, it will probably never happen. The EU has signalled to Iceland that there might be solutions now that they are going to vote over taking the negotiations back up.
Second, Norway is not part of the EU Customs Union and thus has an independent trade policy. That will no longer be the case with EU membership.
Issues related to oil, natural gas and energy will not be affected by EU membership as it is already covered by the EEA agreement.
-6
Gepiemelde23 hr ago
+2
You're missing the most crucial point of all. The oil fund is now 100% Norwegian but EU membership will make Norway a nett contributor, handing out free money to mainly the southern and eastern members. And of course the bottomless money pit that's called the EU parlement. So by then, even though the old fund is still technically Norwegian, the Norwegian wealth will be plundered slowly but surely while getting mass immigration and free roaming criminals. I'm Dutch and I've seen it all happen before.
2
logtransform23 hr ago
+2
Norway already contributes to the southern and eastern members through the Norway EEA grants.
2
Gepiemelde23 hr ago
+1
Yes, and do you think that's going to be better or worse when they join?
Anyone denying the issues within the EU is either bat shit crazy or involved in some promotional role.
1
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
-4
Studies have shown that EU has benefitted both the rich and poor members. Helping to build stronger European economies is also a benefit for Norway.
We also already have the same free movment of people as EU countries, so your last argument holds zero value.
-4
Gepiemelde21 hr ago
+2
The whole argument for an EU holds zero value if nations give up their self governance and replace ist with corrupted legislation.
2
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
+2
Something that they are not doing.
2
kvikklunsjrevolver21 hr ago
What benefits?
I see more talk about the EU in Norway, and also EEA, Schengen, and so on.
People are more negative towards it.
Right now there is also a huge wave of anti immigration sentiment.
Some people are even talking about wanting to stop free travel to and from Sweden, because there has been crime spillover, with shootings, grenades and so on being connected to Swedish gangs.
0
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
+1
Norway being in EU would not change immigration at all. Leaving EU, EEA and Schengen could probably just lead to more asylums seekers. That happened in the UK, they have way more asylum seekers now, compared to pre Brexit.
Free travel with Sweden is something we had before EU too, I can guarantee you that most Norwegians wouldn't want passport controls when going to Sweden.
1
kvikklunsjrevolver20 hr ago
-1
The UK has a government that has supported more immigration throughout that period though.
It is looking like it is changing now.
But immigration is going to change in Norway, it is going to change in most of Europe as well.
The right wing growth we’re seeing is in my opinion mostly based on immigration.
I think some people are racist, sure, but there are a lot of legitimate issues with immigration all over Europe that hasn’t been addressed, and people are just getting fed up with it. So fed up that they don’t care about possible negative outcomes because of other right wing policies that those parties might have.
Free travel with Sweden isn’t something I want gone either, but I am simply stating what I’ve observed.
I think the sentiment will grow the more problems we see that has some root in Sweden.
I also think people will view Sweden more negatively for not containing their issues.
Denmark has seen more of it than Norway thus far, and in Denmark there is legitimately a frustration towards Sweden and Swedish authorities for their failure to control these issues.
But there is real concern in Norway too.
Ignoring all these issues is what got Sweden into their mess to begin with, and the same goes for the UK and other countries in Europe.
People are increasingly feeling misled, frustrated, and angry with it.
You can feel free to argue, but it doesn’t change the situation.
I’m not on the right wing, I’m simply a person that wants to do what is best for my country, and protect the amazing system we have managed to build.
The EU, EEA, and certain agreements we’re in are incompatible with that.
-1
QuestGalaxy1 day ago
-4
Most opposition to EU is based on false rumors and nationalism. In reality we would probably get a possibility to negotiate on the most critical matters, simply because Norway already pretty much qualifies for membership and because we would be a big positive for EU as a whole.
-4
LordAlfrey1 day ago
+13
Articles like these are posted almost every week on here and europe, and similar.
Norway isn't joining EU any time soon, and there hasn't been any particular shift in this sentiment for a long time. Maybe the situation with Hungary changes sentiment for the better somewhat.
13
NorthBase71023 hr ago
+4
There is very little talk about the EU in Norway.
4
CondescendingBaron1 day ago
+3
Unfortunately, this is not likely in the immediate future. The current government is rather shaky with a pro-EU party under the supply and confidence of multiple anti-EU parties. Basically, the way I understand it, the largest left-wing and (formerly, now second-) largest right-wing parties are in favor, but each rely on anti-EU parties to form coalitions, so it is unlikely to happen unless something drastically changes. That’s not even discussing polling, which consistently shows somewhere between 50% and 60% of Norwegians are not in favor of membership.
The states most likely to apply to the EU/resume negotiations next are Iceland (pending a vote for EU accession in a referendum this year) and Armenia
3
Relevant-Ad-37861 day ago
As a Norwegian I really do wonder what the benefits to Norway are?
0
Gepiemelde23 hr ago
+10
None, absolutely none, zero, nought. Norway will lose a lot of autonomy, money and power over their resources. It will gain mass immigration, outstanding loans to bankrupt EU members and a lot of criminal activity.
10
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
-6
Why are you spreading clear lies?
-6
Gepiemelde21 hr ago
+4
I'm not, but I refuse to bow down to bots and payed influencers to promote the Great European promise that already is failing the net contributing nations.
4
kvikklunsjrevolver21 hr ago
+1
I am for a lot of collaboration within Europe, but as a Norwegian I don’t really feel close to Europe culturally or historically in the same way that the more Central European countries probably feel.
We have similarities culturally, and some shared values, but we are also different.
Whatever integration into Europe we have already had hasn’t been bad, but we are already getting squeezed into following values and rules that the majority of people in Norway do not agree with.
We would also lose out economically.
I don’t hate Europe at all, but I don’t think the EU is good for Norway.
1
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
-2
You are posting from a two year old account and are talking smack about EU. There's a clear possibility you are a bot/paid influencer working for russian interests.
So maybe don't scream that pro EU opinions are all bots, because we know for a certain that russia is paying bots/trolls.
-2
Cerenity100016 hr ago
The EU is unpopular in Norway and it has nothing to do with Russia. We just dont want to join, that is all.
Calling for an EU-vote at this point in time is a waste of money and time as the results will be a big fat 'No way" according to all polls.
0
QuestGalaxy8 hr ago
+1
The guy posting is not from Norway.
1
GroundProximity10 hr ago
+1
Not a SINGLE one, you will get fucked just the same way all the other richer countries that joined got fucked.
1
Utfarberget1 day ago
+1
Also Norwegian, this is a nothing story. The majority for 'No' is stable, and I expect it to remain so in the foreseeable future.
1
Hyperwerk11 hr ago
+1
As a Norwegian: Where? There is no current push. Only the usual talk.
1
Gepiemelde23 hr ago
+2
The listnook bots are in full effect here, boosting the EU as if it is a great idea. Brainwashing the consensus to doubt or see the non-existing benefits of the EU shit show. € 2,5 billion annually just to keep the EU Parlement going from Brussels to Strasbourg, with more lobbyists than parlement members, together dealing in secrecy and institutionalized corruption. Just look up the international treaties and the way jurisdiction is handled in those treaties. Corrupted to the bone and a shameless power distribution to global corporations.
2
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
+3
Lol, says the guy that is spreading obvious lies here. Norway already has free movement like EU members, so your argument about "mass migration" if we join EU, has zero basis in truth. You clearly don't know what you are talking about.
3
Gepiemelde21 hr ago
Sure honey, dream on. Clearly you know the truth. I've seen it happen all before and Norway is just one of the last reasonably "safe" countries because of their gigantic wealth. But no, obviously there are no parties fighting over that, trying to get a foot on the ground to get their piece of the pie.
Call me a liar all you want, but which country in Europe has ever benefitted from giving up its sovereignty?
0
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
+2
Well for EU members, pretty much all of them.
2
Gepiemelde21 hr ago
-1
Lol! For people it's about bedtime now, but I guess bots can continue this indefinitely. What a load of horse shit
-1
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
+2
Lol, it's absolutely bed time in a few minutes. But we watched the first SF for Eurovision. It went on a bit late.
All your talk about bots, just makes me suspect you of being one. You probably are.
2
Hoggorm881 day ago
+1
Really? All 5 of them are sensing it huh? I have never met anyone positive to EU membership here.
1
Acrobatic-Skill63501 day ago
+1
I dont sense it, nor do the other 4
1
StuffyTruck23 hr ago
-1
What the pro-EU people need to show, is how joining EU substantially improve quality of life for the average Norwegian.
Because there is a lot of shitty regulations and stupid policies coming from EU, and if anything most Norwegians want less, not more of those.
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein are all outside the EU - for some strange reason that's pretty much the 4 richest countries in Europe. A very peculiar correlation.
-1
Mindless-Peak-16879 hr ago
+1
you really should read up on the individual history of your "examples"
1
arcanehornet_22 hr ago
-2
“for some reason” - you really think them being rich has mostly to do with union non-membership? those countries all have very strong industries (fishing, finance) that the others did not really have to begin with, at least on the same level. that’s classic confirmation bias right there.
-2
StuffyTruck20 hr ago
-2
Or they are rich because they are well run, and don't want to join a group of poorly run countries.
-2
arcanehornet_13 hr ago
+1
You’re either uninformed or ignorant if you think the EU is a group of poorly run countries.
1
StuffyTruck12 hr ago
-2
Compared to the 4 countries listed, it is.
-2
arcanehornet_12 hr ago
+1
You’re wrong, but keep living in your bubble.
1
StuffyTruck12 hr ago
Of course.
0
QuestGalaxy1 day ago
-3
Norway is sadly still not pro EU, too many narrow minded people here. But there's a bit more attention given to the issue these days. If Iceland ends up joining one day, it would leave Norway as the only Nordic country outside of the union.
-3
Gepiemelde23 hr ago
+6
You haven't even come close to understanding what is going to happen when Norway joins. Start by taking a look at countries like Germany and The Netherlands. Denmark has a lot of exemptions so they're quite well off.
6
QuestGalaxy23 hr ago
+2
The Netherlands is ranked 5 on the IHDI, Germany 8th. With Denmark tied with Norway on second, Finland on sixth and Sweden on 9th. All countries towards to top of the world.
So what are you actually warning us against here? Norway already has most EU laws via EEA.
2
Gepiemelde23 hr ago
+3
Norway now has autonomy over implementing these laws. They can decide for or against them. Within EU that's not possible or it's going to cost a lot to get an exemption.
But if rules and regulations are evenly distributed in- and outside of EU, there's nothing to gain with joining.
3
QuestGalaxy23 hr ago
+4
No, this is not correct. We have to implement the laws to stay a member of EEA.
EU members actually have a bigger veto opportunity than Norway.
4
Gepiemelde21 hr ago
+3
Nope, incorrect. Studied international law and my daughter is finishing university in international politics. EEA is not formally obligatory whereas veto in EU is valid but only optional in certain conditions. And then there are the typical politician tricks. As the Maastricht treaty has made very clear. The Netherlands voted against it in a referendum but by giving the same content another name, and not putting it through a referendum, the treaty was settled and the people got fucked forever by the government.
3
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
+3
Oh wow, nice credentials. I don't see how they factor in at all.
The point is that Norway absolutely could say no, but if we do that we break the deal we have with EU, thus possibly leading to us getting kicked out of EEA.
The Norwegian parliament clearly states that Norway does NOT have a veto
[EU/EØS-arbeidet - stortinget.no](https://www.stortinget.no/no/Stortinget-og-demokratiet/Arbeidet/EUEOS-arbeid/)
"Norge har ikke mulighet til å nedlegge veto overfor EU, altså stoppe en bestemmelse i EU, men det er opp til Stortinget og regjeringen å avgjøre hvorvidt Norge skal godta de regelendringer som kommer. Dette kalles reservasjonsretten."
translated for you:
Norway does not have the ability to veto the EU, i.e. stop a provision in the EU, but it is up to the Storting and the government to decide whether Norway should accept the upcoming rule changes. This is called the right of reservation.
The only thing this means is that parliament of course can say no, but that could lead to EU punishing us for it.
3
Gepiemelde21 hr ago
+3
Off course you don't. But basically you're saying that Norway is already fucked but needs to get deeper into it because then it might get better and they should trust the politicians because they said so? Right.
If EU is able to punish Norway, that should be an obvious red flag to move away from, don't you agree? It would be extremely masochistic to move any closer unless there are some obvious advantages. And oh yeah, those are merely ideological and based on fiction, not facts.
3
QuestGalaxy21 hr ago
+3
I'm not saying that at all. It's clear you are very anti EU and anti immigration. That's fine, but don't spread lies.
3
Gepiemelde21 hr ago
+3
F*** no, I'm not against EU. I'm against its completely anti-democratic ways. I'm against its utter bull shit compromises and obvious lies about the complete loss of sovereignty. And yes, I'm anti mass immigration and totally in favor of immigration of the people we really do need in stead of just people. Go and take a look in Calais for a day and get to see the complete misery we allow to happen in the name of tolerance and inclusion. It's f****** hell over there and all because the EU allowed/wanted it to happen.
3
frugaleringenieur1 day ago
-17
Politico is a biased resource that puts out a lot of pro European opinions instead of news.
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