The EU Is Opening the Door — Norway Should Walk Through It

The EU Commission's Commissioner for Fisheries Costas Kadis confirms there is "definitely room for flexibility" when it comes to Iceland's fishing rights in a future EU accession. Does this mean that the same dispute over marine resources that kept Norway out of the EU in 1994 no longer needs to stand in the way?

In 1994, fisheries were one of the main reasons Norwegian voters said no. Control over our marine resources was something we were not willing to negotiate away — understandably so.

But much has changed since then! The EU has moved towards more flexible and differentiated solutions for member states with particular interests. Signals from Brussels suggest that a tailor-made agreement for coastal nations like Iceland and Norway is realistic.

That opens the door to a new conversation about how we can manage the ocean together with Europe.

The world has also changed dramatically since the last time EU membership was discussed in Norway.
European solidarity has been more important than ever in recent years. Pandemic, environmental crises, wars and international (in)security have reinforced the need for safety and cooperation across borders.
Iceland is now preparing for a referendum on 29 August 2026 on restarting EU negotiations.

Should Norway do the same? We think so. 💜

Membership would affect our future in every direction.
Our security will be strengthened through full participation in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). We will no longer be entirely dependent on NATO!
It would also give us greater democratic influence and trade power when it comes to EU cooperation. We will no longer just be recipients of important rules on rights, the environment and the market, but active participants in discussions alongside our neighbours.

The Arctic and marine resources are also an area where Norway has much to contribute, and much to gain from closer cooperation. Together with Iceland, Sweden and Finland, Norway can play a central role in EU Arctic policy: sharing knowledge, coordinating emergency preparedness and ensuring that northern interests have a strong voice in Brussels.

Iceland is taking the step. It is time for Norway to ask itself the important questions about our future — loudly and clearly.
Volt Norway says yes to a stronger, safer and more democratic Europe. 💜