International relations of Norway

The international relations of the Norway are founded on the co-operation between the nations, the Pacific regulation of the conflicts and the principle of collective security.

Collective security and multilateralism

An unwavering support with the international organizations

The two pillars of the Norwegian diplomacy are an active participation with NATO and a systematic support for the the United Nations, where it obtained a seat of not-permanent member to the Safety advice of 2001 with 2003.

Scandinavian co-operation

Norway also continues an economic policy of co-operation , social and cultural with the others Scandinavian Pays (Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) within the framework of the Scandinavian Conseil.

The question of adhesion to the European Union

The Norway is the only Scandinavian country (Iceland not included/understood) not to belong to the European Union. Adhesion was already evoked several times within the country, and two referendums were organized on September 26th 1972 and on November 28th 1994. Both showed a victory of “not”, in particular because of fears in connection with the quotas of fishings imposed by Brussels. At the time of the first referendum, one yes records 971.687 (46,5%) against 1.118.281 (53,5%) not. At the time of the second vote, yes not joins together 1.389.997 votes (47,8%) against 1.516.803 (52,2%). One notes a regional opposition, thus Oslo gave only one third of negative votes whereas certain areas of the North of the country post more than 70% of not. The participation was very strong, that is to say 79,2% in 1972 and 89% in 1994.

At the present time, the Norwegian government prefers to elude the question of a future adhesion. The coalition with the capacity is indeed made of two parties Eurosceptics (the Christian-Democrats of the Kristelig Folkeparti and liberal Socialists of the Venstre ) and of only one party europhile (conservatives of the Høyre ). The chief of the coalition to the capacity until 2005, the Christian-Democrat Kjell Magne Bondevik, is even committed to resign if the question of one adhesion to the European Union became a seriously possible option.

The member of the Labor Party Stoltenberg, itself favorable to the EU, is confronted with the same dilemma with partners Eurosceptics (socialist of left and centrists)

Norway nevertheless signed a commercial agreement and customs officer with the Union. In addition, since the neighbors and the most important economic partners of the country do all left the EU, several analysts admit the possibility of a future adhesion, on the assumption that a compromise on the quotas of fishing would be found. Manifest Germany of comprehension for the Norwegian position which however causes the reserves of Portugal, Spain and France.

Norway belongs to the European Economic space which joins together the 25 countries of the EU and 3 countries of the EFTA (Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway). The disadvantage of a non-adhesion is thus attenuated.

Helps with the countries in the process of development

The country also seeks to develop friendly relations with the Developing country: the Norwegians provide a humanitarian Aid and economic to certain countries of Africa and Asia, in order to promote the democratic values and the Human rights.

Others

Every year since 1947, the Norway offers large a Christmas tree to the town of London, in commemoration of the friendship forged between the two nations during the Second world war.
Norway asserts the Ground of the Queen-Maud in the Antarctic, in contradiction with the Traité on the Antarctic.
the Russia and the Norway have a dispute in connection with the layout of their maritime border on the Mer of Barents.

See too

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