(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in Norway continue to oppose their country’s accession to the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Sentio-Norsk Statistic published in Klassekampen. 49 per cent of respondents are against Norway entering the EU, down 4.4 points since November 2008.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in Norway continue to oppose their country’s accession to the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Sentio-Norsk Statistic published in Klassekampen. 49 per cent of respondents are against Norway entering the EU, down 4.4 points since November 2008.
Norway topped the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index as the best country to live in from 2001 to 2006. The Scandinavian nation is regarded as a wealthier state than other EU members due to oil revenues. The country rejected EU membership in plebiscites held in 1972 and 1994.
Norway cooperates with the EU via the European Economic Area agreement that offers members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) access to the EU internal market.
In September 2005, Norwegian voters renewed the Stortinget (the Norwegian Parliament). Final results gave the Red-Green alliance—encompassing Labour, the Socialist Left and the Agrarians—87 seats in the 169-member legislative branch. Labour leader Jens Stoltenberg—who held the highest office from March 2000 to October 2001—took over as prime minister for the second time.
On Jul. 17, Iceland said it has submitted an application to join the EU.
Ingrid Skjoetskift, a Norwegian journalist specializing in matters related to the EU, said that Iceland’s application will likely impact the opinion of Norwegians on EU accession, declaring, "I believe that what lies ahead might change the attitude of many Norwegians and draw attention to the fact that Norway might end up as the only Nordic nation outside the European Union."
Polling Data
Would you support or oppose Norway’s accession to the European Union (EU)?
|
|
Jul. 2009 |
Nov. 2008 |
Jan. 2008 |
|
Support |
38.5% |
34.6% |
33.3% |
|
Oppose |
49.0% |
53.4% |
54.1% |
|
Unsure |
12.5% |
12.0% |
12.6% |
Source: Sentio-Norsk Statistic / Klassekampen
Methodology: Interviews to 1,000 Norwegian citizens, conducted in July 2009. No margin of error was provided.
