Pro-EU faction in Norway up to their usual tricks

[SilverSpurs]

They are now claiming that Norway adopts 75% of EU rules and policies without having a vote on them. they claim this is a "democratic deficit" that should be rectified by applying for EU membership.
What they sneakily omit to mention is that Norway adopts many EU rules and policies voluntarily (e.g. Schengen, European Defence Agency, EU battlegroups, Policing co-ordination etc.) and as such their only obligations under the EEA is to duplicate some EU rules on the "four freedoms" to prevent Norway being a backdoor into the single market.

Norway sparks debate on future of EU relations | EurActiv

[parentheses]

They are now claiming that Norway adopts 75% of EU rules and policies without having a vote on them. they claim this is a "democratic deficit" that should be rectified by applying for EU membership.
What they sneakily omit to mention is that Norway adopts many EU rules and policies voluntarily (e.g. Schengen, European Defence Agency, EU battlegroups, Policing co-ordination etc.) and as such their only obligations under the EEA is to duplicate some EU rules on the "four freedoms" to prevent Norway being a backdoor into the single market.

Norway sparks debate on future of EU relations | EurActiv

If the Norwegians want to see the "benefits" of EU membership then let them look at Ireland.

[Gimpanzee]

Oh, those sneaky trickers. You keep a good eye on them, ya'hear?

[Interista]

Recent surveys show that opposition to joining the EU has increased in Norway.

Can't imagine why.

[southwestkerry]

sig hail zee Norwegians.

[stopdoingstuff]

What's the Norwegian for "we have oil and self-esteem- fk off"?

[paulp]

They are now claiming that Norway adopts 75% of EU rules and policies without having a vote on them.

But isn't that true?

omit to mention is that Norway adopts many EU rules and policies voluntarily

Are there some that Norway adopt involuntarily?

[toxic avenger]

They are now claiming that Norway adopts 75% of EU rules and policies without having a vote on them. they claim this is a "democratic deficit" that should be rectified by applying for EU membership.
What they sneakily omit to mention is that Norway adopts many EU rules and policies voluntarily (e.g. Schengen, European Defence Agency, EU battlegroups, Policing co-ordination etc.) and as such their only obligations under the EEA is to duplicate some EU rules on the "four freedoms" to prevent Norway being a backdoor into the single market.

Norway sparks debate on future of EU relations | EurActiv

One might argue that there is little voluntary about having to adopt those regulations in order to have access to the giant economic bloc on your doorstep - it's an economic necessity. It's a bargain the Norwegians are happy enough with - they accept the reality of this situation without actually plunging in (where they'd only have one tweny-ninth of control, if that, anyway).

In fairness, it's a perfectly reasonable argument for the pro-EU constituency to make. It's just not one that would sway me if I were Norwegian, that's all...

[toxic avenger]

sig hail zee Norwegians.

??????

[ibis]

The Skibbereen Eagle has silver spurs!