Norway Signals EU Membership Rethink

Norway may reconsider its long-standing opposition to joining the European Union amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and the impact of US tariffs, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said.

In remarks reported by the Financial Times, Eide said the stable international environment that existed when Norway joined the European Economic Area 30 years ago has changed dramatically, prompting Oslo to reassess its relationship with the EU.

He described the current global landscape as a “crazy world” and noted that policy areas Norway previously chose to remain outside of are becoming increasingly important.

According to the report, concerns over US trade measures and Washington’s interest in Greenland have contributed to renewed debate over EU membership.

Norway has rejected EU membership in two referendums, largely due to concerns that Brussels could undermine the country’s fishing industry. Eide said Oslo will closely watch upcoming EU proposals affecting fisheries, as well as Iceland’s planned referendum on EU membership later this year.