While the rest of the party leadership in Arbeiderpartiet keeps its cards close to its chest in the EU matter, Member of the Storting and leader of Europabevegelsen, Trine Lise Sundnes, comes out strongly in favour of Norwegian membership.
She maintains that the serious security policy situation gives Norway good cards in hand, and wants us to copy Iceland’s approach.
It is in an interview with Nationen that Sundnes launches the theory that Norway now has a historic window in which to secure a favourable agreement with Brussels.
According to the Ap politician, it is precisely the geopolitical unrest and the war in Europe that make the timing ideal. She believes the EU has a desperate need to gather its forces, something Norway can exploit in negotiations.
– The best window is always when the counterparty needs something, and the EU does so now. And what is it that the EU needs today? Well, they need unity and strength, Sundnes tells the newspaper.
Wants the Icelandic model
Sundnes looks with interest towards Iceland, which has signalled that by 2027 it will hold a referendum on whether the country shall resume negotiations with the EU. She believes Norway should do the same: negotiate first in order to see what can be achieved, and thereafter let the people vote on the result.
She argues that such an approach does not bind the EU sceptics, but will provide answers as to what Norway can in fact achieve in terms of adaptations.
Believes in exemptions for agriculture
One of the principal arguments against Norwegian EU membership has traditionally been the consideration for Norwegian agriculture, fisheries and self-determination. Sundnes nevertheless maintains that in the present situation it is possible to negotiate exemptions also in these areas, despite the fact that the EU’s internal market is based on equal conditions of competition.
– We are entirely dependent on obtaining solutions on fish and agriculture if one is to consider EU membership, she says to Nationen, adding that she believes solutions can be obtained now that perhaps will not be available in five years.
Fears going it alone
Sundnes paints a picture in which Norway risks being left standing alone in the EEA together with Liechtenstein if Iceland enters the Union. She warns that it will become far more difficult to secure good terms in the future.
At the same time she uses district industry as a lever for her view. She points out that Norwegian industry was recently affected by the EU’s tariff on ferro-alloys, and warns that the willingness to invest may decline if Norwegian enterprises must compete behind tariff barriers.
According to Sundnes, membership will safeguard Norwegian jobs and provide greater security than what NATO alone can offer.