How Norway Can Navigate Historic EU Hurdles with Fresh European Solutions
For decades, the question of our full European Union membership has shaped our national conversation—touching on our identity, our economy, and our self-determination. Three core concerns have guided us along a path of close partnership through the EEA rather than full integration: our rich fisheries, our unique agricultural landscape, and our national sovereignty. But as Europe and the world change, these challenges aren’t set in stone. They’re opportunities for bold, forward-thinking solutions—solutions that Volt is ready to champion.
With a commitment to reforming the EU from within and a focus on pragmatic, sustainable policies, we can turn these historic hurdles into stepping stones. Together, we can build a future where Norway doesn’t just adapt to Europe, but helps lead it.
Sustainable Seas: Our Vision for Fisheries
The Challenge: Our maritime heritage and thriving fish stocks are at the heart of who we are. It’s no surprise that we’ve been cautious about the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), especially its principles of "equal access" and quota-setting. Many of us prefer our independent management systems, which have served us well.
Our Opportunity: The CFP isn’t static—it’s evolving, with a growing focus on sustainability. This aligns with Volt’s vision for our oceans. We’re pushing for a reformed CFP that:
Phases out harmful fishing gear.
Sets quotas based on science and sustainability.
Empowers small-scale fisheries and supports green fishing vessels.
Strengthens sustainable aquaculture.
Volt Denmark already advocates for "sustainable fisheries"—and we can too. As EU members, we wouldn’t just follow the rules; we’d lead the charge. Our expertise in responsible fisheries management could become the cornerstone of EU policy, ensuring decisions are ecologically sound and economically viable for our coastal communities.
This isn’t about giving up control. It’s about scaling our best practices across Europe, ensuring healthy oceans and thriving fishing communities for generations.
Greening Our Fields: A Future for Agriculture in Europe
The Challenge: Our agriculture—small-scale farms, a tough Nordic climate, and higher costs—has thrived under national support. Joining the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) raises questions: Can our farmers compete? Will our rural communities survive?
Our Opportunity: The CAP is changing, focusing more on sustainability, biodiversity, and rural vitality. Volt is driving this transformation with proposals to:
Phase out harmful subsidies and redirect funds to sustainable farming.
Boost innovation—precision agriculture, automation, and green energy—tailored to our high-cost environment.
Create a green transition fund to help farmers adapt.
Promote rural development that keeps local economies strong.
As EU members, we’d have a direct vote to shape a CAP that works for us. We’d push for:
Flexible, regionally attuned policies that recognize our unique challenges.
A focus on quality over price, leveraging our strengths: exceptional products, high standards, and Arctic agriculture.
EU funding for agri-tech, fueling advancements that boost productivity and sustainability.
We’d also ensure a fair transition, with time for our farmers to adapt. And let’s not forget: EU membership would likely mean more affordable food for all of us, while protecting what makes Norwegian agriculture special.
Sovereignty Reimagined: A Stronger Voice in a Democratic Europe
The Challenge: The idea of "losing sovereignty" to Brussels has always been a concern. Under the EEA, we implement EU laws without a vote—a "democratic deficit" that leaves us as rule-takers, not rule-makers.
Our Opportunity: In today’s world, absolute sovereignty is an illusion. The real question is: How do we shape the rules that affect us? The EEA leaves us in the corridor, receiving laws by fax. Full membership gives us a seat at the table:
Elected MEPs to represent us in the European Parliament.
A vote in the EU Council on laws that impact us.
A Norwegian Commissioner influencing policy from the inside.
But Volt doesn’t just want to join the EU as it is—we want to reform it. Our +1 Challenge is about building a more democratic, transparent, and citizen-centric EU. We’re fighting for:
A stronger European Parliament with the power to initiate laws.
An elected EU Prime Minister.
A European Constitution written by and for its people.
By joining and helping reform the EU, we’d gain more influence than we’ve ever had under the EEA. This isn’t about giving up sovereignty—it’s about pooling it to achieve more together.
A Future Forged Together
The hurdles to our EU membership aren’t walls—they’re challenges we can overcome with fresh thinking and collaboration. By embracing a reformed, democratic, and sustainable EU, we can turn our concerns into opportunities to lead and thrive.
This isn’t about diminishing who we are. It’s about empowering Norway to shape Europe’s future. With Volt, we can move from the sidelines to the center—from adapting to laws to writing them.
The time for a new chapter in our European story is now. Let’s build it together.