Norwegian-European Union Relationship Study

After the second world war,European Union can be regarded as not only a example of regional integration,but also a successful new model for peace and development.While some countries tried hard to join in the European group,some other countries remained outside,among which Norway was a special one.Relations between Norway and the European Union was a complicated process.Norway's application to join the EEC was rejected twice,and Norway government's decision to join the EEC(EU)was also opposed by Norwegian people twice.Now,Norway is still not a member of the EU.However,connections between the two never jammed once,and is even getting closer and closer,which,is now recognized as “ Norwegian mode” in dealing with the relations with EU.“Norwegian mode” includes close connections in several fields: economic connection with the EEA as the main platform,social connections with Schengen agreement as its core and communication and cooperation with UN common foreign,security and defence policies.It is worth mentioning that Norway-EU relations was not a one way request of Norway.Via EEA and Norway Grants,the country fund for many EU projects,and help Southeast European countries to maintain solidarity and achieve development.Norwegian mode,on the one hand,was due to Norway's willing to fulfill its national economic,social,security and other appeals through close connections with the EU,on the other hand,the country do not want to abandon its independent identity because of its sovereignty consciousness,Atlantic diplomatic tradition,agriculture and fishing interest etc.Thus,Norway maintained its high welfare system and economic prosperity as well as close and friendly relations with EU and special international role in human right,climate change,energy,environment etc.In recent years,new factors in Norway-EU relations emerges,such as terrorism,migrant issues and European inner crisis.EU membership is less attractive to Norway.In a short term,Norwegian mode would continue,which may also provide other countries,especially the UK,with new ideas for dealing with EU.