Norway and Europe: A Symbiotic and Evolving Relationship

Norway’s Vital Role in Europe

Norway is indispensable to the EU in three key areas: energy, security, and trade.

1. Energy Security: Powering Europe

Norway is the EU’s largest and most reliable supplier of natural gas, providing over 30% of the continent’s needs in 2024. Our commitment to energy security is clear: in 2024 alone, Norwegian gas exports to Europe increased by 10%, and the government awarded 53 new oil and gas exploration licenses. Beyond fossil fuels, Norway is a leader in renewable energy, with hydropower accounting for over 90% of our electricity and ambitious offshore wind projects like Hywind Tampen. The EU-Norway Green Alliance, launched in 2023, strengthens cooperation on climate action, hydrogen, and critical raw materials. Norway’s energy infrastructure—from the Baltic Pipe to the expansion of the Troll field—ensures stability for Europe’s energy transition.

2. Security: Guardian of the North

As NATO’s northern anchor, Norway plays a critical role in European security. Our Arctic expertise, maritime surveillance, and military capabilities make us a linchpin in NATO’s Northern Flank. With Russia’s increased military activity in the Arctic, Norway’s role in monitoring and maintaining stability is more important than ever. We were the first non-EU country to sign a security and defence partnership with the EU, and our defence industry supplies advanced systems to Allied nations. Norway’s NOK 5 billion commitment to Ukraine in 2025, partly channeled through the EU’s European Peace Facility, underscores our solidarity with Europe’s security challenges.

3. Economic Partnership: A Trade Powerhouse

The EU is Norway’s largest trading partner, accounting for 62% of our total trade. In January 2025 alone, Norway exported $15.7 billion worth of goods, primarily energy, resulting in an $8.4 billion trade surplus. The EEA Agreement ensures Norwegian businesses can compete on equal footing in the EU’s single market, but it also means we must adopt EU laws without a vote—a growing point of contention.

Why the EU Matters for Norway

The EU is not just a market; it is a framework for addressing shared challenges.

1. Economic Prosperity

Access to the EU’s 450 million consumers is vital for Norway’s export-driven economy. However, this access requires adopting EU laws and contributing financially—Norway pays EUR 391 million annually to the EEA and Norway Grants, plus EUR 447 million for programs like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.

2. Tackling Transnational Challenges

From climate change to migration, Norway benefits from EU cooperation. Our participation in the EU Emissions Trading System and the EU-Norway Green Alliance helps us meet our Paris Agreement commitments. Collaboration in research, innovation, and social policy ensures Norway remains competitive and aligned with European standards.

3. Security and Stability

Norway’s participation in Schengen and alignment with EU foreign policy—including sanctions—strengthens our security. While NATO remains our defence cornerstone, the EU provides an additional layer of diplomatic and security engagement.

The Democratic Deficit: A Growing Problem

The most pressing issue in Norway’s relationship with the EU is the lack of influence. We adopt EU laws but have no vote in their creation. This "fax democracy" was tolerable in the past, but as the EU expands its regulations—from the Green Deal to the digital single market—Norway’s inability to shape these policies becomes increasingly problematic. The collapse of the Norwegian government in 2025 over EU energy rules was a wake-up call: our current arrangement is unsustainable.

Norway’s role as Europe’s primary energy supplier gives us leverage, but it also means our economy is deeply affected by EU energy and climate policies—such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—where we have no say. As the EU’s influence grows, Norway risks being left behind, forced to accept rules we didn’t help design.

The Path Forward: Membership or Reform?

Public opinion is shifting. Support for EU membership has risen to 37-41%, up from 27% in 2023, and 63% of Norwegians are open to a new referendum. The war in Ukraine and Arctic security concerns are reshaping the debate, with many seeing the EU as a necessary partner in an unstable world.

Challenges Ahead

If Norway pursues membership, key issues will dominate negotiations:

• Fisheries: Norway’s independent management of its rich fishing grounds clashes with the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.

• Agriculture: Our highly subsidized farming sector would need to align with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

• Sovereignty: The transfer of legislative power to EU institutions remains a major concern.

Yet, the alternative—remaining outside—means continuing as a rule-taker, not a rule-maker. With Iceland considering a referendum by 2027, Norway must decide: Do we want to shape Europe’s future, or remain on the sidelines?

A Shared European Future

Norway and the EU share deep economic, security, and environmental ties. The question is no longer if we should deepen our relationship, but how. Whether through reforming the EEA or pursuing full membership, Norway must secure its place at the table. In a world of growing instability, collective action is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

The time to decide is now. Will Norway lead, or will we follow?