While Turkey is working hard to be let in to the exclusive club of the European Union, Norway, at the opposite end of the continent, has no such desire. As one of the few countries in Europe who has declined EU membership twice, (along with Iceland and Switzerland), Norway has chosen to stand alone among its Scandinavian neighbors in not joining the EU. In Norway, unlike its fellow European countries, where the right wing parties have been the vocal opponents of EU membership, it is the political left that opposes entry into the EU. Calling it undemocratic, the left wing parties have managed to keep the Norwegians from voting yes to membership two times, in 1972 and in 1994. Even though no date has been set for the next vote, polls indicate that the Norwegians are not changing their minds on EU membership. As we approach May 17th, the Norwegian Constitutional and National Day, the opposition of EU membership may be reflected in a new light. After more than 500 years of union with Denmark and Sweden, it is no wonder a strong nationalist sentiment has permeated in the Norwegian society. Norwegians are proud of being independent, and celebrate their constitution with pride and joy. On May 17th, all Norwegians, be it young or old, native or immigrant, come together to celebrate. People wear the national costume and waive the Norwegian flag. While children compete on how much ice cream they can eat, friends and family “skaal” in honor of an independent Norway. This national pride has solid roots in history, but is strengthened also by a sense of self achievement. Prospering from its oil revenues, Norway is one of the richest countries in the world, and one of the best places to live, according to the 2006 UN Human Development Index. Norway, in other words, is doing very well on its own. What about solidarity towards its European allies? Distancing itself from EU membership is not to say that Norway distances itself from the rest of the world. It is active in a number of international and regional organizations, including the UN, NATO and the Council of Europe, and has kept a close cooperation with the EU. This enables Norway to maintain influence and contribute in several ways within these organizations. And that is the relationship Norway wants with its fellow Europeans: standing at the edge, but still connected. |
