New Debate on EU Membership Resurfaces in Norway

Norway News:
Norway’s current Labour-Center government is resisting efforts to allow voters to voice their opinions on the EU question. Referenda are rare in Norway, and even more so advisory, with most politicians believing they were elected to make the tough decisions. While the Centre Party remains firmly opposed to EU membership, a majority of Labour leaders have traditionally supported the idea. In 2021, Labour chose to freeze the issue during their four-year partnership with the Centre Party, aiming to preserve government unity.

As the government faces re-election next autumn, however, the EU debate is once again gaining momentum. Støre’s government is struggling in public opinion polls, making it unlikely to retain power. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is keen to avoid any further divisiveness, and his pro-EU foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide, can only respond to EU membership queries by referring to the government’s platform, which opposes it.

Støre recently acknowledged the need for greater market integration in sectors like finance, energy, and telecommunications within the EU. He emphasized that Norway “must closely follow developments,” but he made it clear that he does not want to rehash the EU membership debate.

“No, that’s not a theme now,” he told Klassekampen in September. “We’re in an uneasy political time right now. We need to hold on to the broad agreements on the most important security policy issues.” His government also stresses that the relationship between Norway and the EU is “good and close.”

Opposition parties in Parliament, particularly the non-socialist Conservatives, are more open to EU membership. However, they too worry that the issue could overshadow others and spark internal conflicts, especially with the scepticism from the larger Progress Party. The Liberals are lobbying heavily for EU membership, but their coalition partners in the Progress Party are not in agreement.

The recent 30th anniversary of Norway’s last EU referendum on November 28, 1994, has made it impossible to ignore the issue, especially given the series of international crises. Proponents of a new EU referendum argue that the world has changed significantly since the 1994 vote, when 52.2% of Norwegians voted against joining the EU. Voter turnout was an impressive 89%.

While Oslo and other metropolitan areas voted in favor, the rest of the country, particularly the northern counties of Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark, voted “no.” Many in these regions have expressed they would vote “no” again today.

Opposition to EU membership remains strong in the north, with many locals feeling disconnected from both Oslo and Brussels. However, most Norwegians agree on the importance of cooperating with the EU, particularly on trade and defense matters. The EEA/EØS agreement, which grants Norway access to the EU’s internal market, is seen as beneficial for Norwegian businesses, though it comes at a cost—Norway contributes billions to the EU and must adhere to EU directives without voting rights.

Some believe the EEA/EØS agreement is insufficient, arguing that Norway should have a direct say in EU policy decisions. This sentiment is driving the recurring EU debate, fueled further by recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These events have underscored the need for closer cooperation with the EU, particularly on defense and security matters.

Norway’s NATO membership is not viewed as sufficient by some, especially after Finland and Sweden both joined NATO and strengthened their ties with the EU. Pro-EU voices argue that Norway should follow suit to enhance its position in Europe.

“There’s strength in unity,” read an editorial in Dagsavisen this spring, hailing Norway’s new defense pact with the EU. The agreement, which strengthens cooperation on Ukraine, is seen as a logical next step for Norway. Still, many feel it’s insufficient on its own, especially in the face of global challenges like another potential pandemic.

Guri Melby, leader of the pro-EU Liberal Party, has been outspoken on the issue. A former government minister, she has been pushing for a new referendum on EU membership. Melby stresses that Norway’s security is increasingly shaped by EU policies, and argues that Norway should have a seat at the table when key decisions are made.

“The EU has become an increasingly important player, especially in light of Russia’s aggression,” Melby told Aftenposten. She criticized Prime Minister Støre for his reluctance to reopen the debate, despite being a pro-EU supporter