Why Norway is Talking Again About Joining the European Union 0 18

Donald Trump's plans to gain control over Greenland have alarmed not only Denmark, as the U.S. president could make similar demands regarding other territories.

Unexpectedly, Norway, which maintains control over the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, has found itself in the risk zone.

The country is now returning to discussions about the advantages that EU membership could provide.

At the same time, the possibility of "northern expansion" is being seriously considered in Brussels.

Norwegians have twice in history rejected the prospect of EU membership in referendums – in 1972 and 1994.

The situation began to change after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, after which the gap between supporters and opponents of EU membership gradually began to narrow.

Concerns about Norway's current relations with the EU intensified even further last November when Brussels imposed protective measures on the import of certain ferroalloys – particularly against Norway, which is not part of the customs union.

And, of course, Norwegians are also worried about Donald Trump's interest in the Arctic and his customs tariffs, as well as the actions of Russia, which has its own interests in Svalbard.

Currently, as noted by the Norwegians themselves, there is no active discussion about membership. The only thing being discussed is whether such a discussion should even take place.

The ruling Labour Party is a supporter of the idea of joining the EU.

At least, this is stated in its program, although it does not fully correspond to the current course of the government formed by them.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated last year that he does not want new debates about Norway's EU membership to avoid exacerbating conflicts and disagreements in society. He claims that the existing agreements with the EU provide sufficient predictability and that cooperation can develop without membership.

At the same time, the most principled opponent of EU membership is the Centre Party. The leader of the centrists, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, warns that if Norway joins the EU, it will lose control over important resources. Moreover, it will harm its agriculture.

The Conservative Party of Norway consistently supports the idea of the country joining the EU.

Its leader, Ine Eriksen Søreide, argues that in the context of wars and rising threats around the world, the distant relationship between Brussels and Oslo no longer meets the challenges at hand.

The idea of joining the EU helps conservatives boost their ratings. If the conservatives come to power, it is possible that the discussion about Norway's EU membership will be revitalized.

However, there are factors that could make this issue relevant much sooner. And it is not just about the unpredictable Donald Trump.

One of the factors that could influence the position of Norwegians may be the results of the referendum in Iceland, which will take place on August 29. If this referendum ends with a victory for supporters of membership, Norway will face the unpleasant prospect of being left alone in the Arctic region.

Meanwhile, even within the EU, there is no hiding the desire to see Norway among its ranks. In particular, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, notes that this is Norway's personal choice, but accession could happen quickly. In her opinion, the most important argument in favor of Norway's EU membership is the issue of security.