Despite growing calls within his own party to initiate formal discussions about Norway joining the European Union, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has firmly declined to open a debate on EU membership at this time. His decision comes in the midst of heightened international instability triggered by the war in Ukraine and rising economic tensions with the United States under Donald Trump’s leadership.
Calls for European integration grow, but Støre opts for stability over speed
At the annual conference of the Arbeiderpartiet (Labour Party), held in Oslo, Støre acknowledged the increasing concerns over geopolitical and trade-related threats.
“Warning lights are flashing. Tariffs and economic instability are threatening the safety of businesses and workers. And what threatens safety also threatens the future,” he stated in his keynote address.
Internal pressure within the Labour Party
Former LO union leader and current MP Trine Lise Sundnes, a prominent figure in Oslo Ap‘s Internasjonalt forum, has been advocating for a roadmap toward EU membership. She argues that after 30 years of participating in the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway remains closely tied to EU policies but lacks democratic influence.
“The only thing we don’t have is the democratic ability to influence,” she told NRK.
Sundnes called for a two-step public referendum: first on whether to pursue EU membership, and later on whether any negotiated deal is acceptable. According to her, this would also potentially make the EU more open to Norway’s terms.
However, Støre rebuffed these suggestions, emphasizing unity over division during turbulent times.
“This is not the time for a membership process. It is a time of unrest, and it is important that we stand united in Norway,” he told.
A divided leadership and a cautious electorate
Although Støre himself is a long-time EU supporter, he remains nearly alone in this stance among party leadership. Deputy leader Tonje Brenna is a known EU skeptic, while fellow deputy Jan Christian Vestre has moderated his earlier opposition. “I used to be part of ‘Ungdom mot EU’ (Youth Against the EU), but now I don’t know how I would vote,” Vestre said in a 2023 interview with E24.
Incoming party secretary Kari-Anne Opsal also reflects a nuanced position. “In 1994 I voted no to the EU. Since then, the EEA agreement has served Norway well, but the world is changing. It’s not wise to close any doors,” she said, noting that while now is not the time for a referendum, it is time for reflection.
Grassroots support remains mixed. While Hustadvika Ap from Møre og Romsdal urged that the membership process begin in the next parliamentary term, many in Oslo Ap voted against starting the EU debate during their annual meeting.
Strategic ambiguity or political caution?
Støre’s reluctance to commit to a renewed EU debate may be seen as strategic caution amid volatile international dynamics. With the EEA agreement maintaining economic stability and trade access, any push for full membership would risk igniting a divisive public and political discourse. Norway has already rejected EU membership twice through referenda in 1972 and 1994.
Still, the conversation is far from over. With shifting geopolitical alliances, the return of protectionist trade policies, and increasing pressure from EU-friendly factions within his own ranks, Støre may find it increasingly difficult to avoid the debate.
