As global trade tensions escalate following new USA tariff announcements, Norway and the European Union have moved swiftly to reaffirm their close partnership. On Monday, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre led a high-level delegation to Brussels, where he received a strong political pledge from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: Norway remains firmly within the European single market.
Norway reinforces EU alignment in face of Trump tariffs
“Norway will always be on the inside of our internal market. That is important to us,” said von der Leyen, underlining the EU’s commitment to continued cooperation.
Although not a member of the EU customs union, Norway’s participation in the European Economic Area (Det europeiske økonomiske samarbeidsområde, EØS) secures its integration into the single market. Both parties made clear that this relationship remains vital for economic stability, particularly in the face of unpredictable USA trade policy.
A partnership based on mutual interest
Prime Minister Støre welcomed the reassurance, stating that Norway’s role in the single market is backed by more than 30 years of alignment. “We are deeply integrated in the European economy. The EU and Norway share strategic interests, particularly in energy, industry, and stability,” he said.
Støre added that while the global trade environment is uncertain, Norway’s relationship with the EU is not. “We are not part of the customs union, but we are part of the internal market. That distinction is important, and it’s what we must protect.”
Commitment to joint solutions, not retaliation
In contrast to potential EU countermeasures to USA protectionism, Støre stressed Norway’s preference for dialogue. “The idea of retaliating against the USA is not natural for us,” he said. “But we will continue to work with the EU to find coordinated responses that preserve market integrity.”
Von der Leyen noted that the EU is prepared to defend its economic interests but emphasized that Norway will remain involved in these discussions. “We will find solutions together,” she affirmed.
Tripartite delegation underscores unity
Støre was joined by representatives from Næringslivets Hovedorganisasjon (NHO) and Landsorganisasjonen i Norge (LO), reflecting Norway’s tripartite governance model. NHO director Ole Erik Almlid and LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik stressed that Norway’s integration into the EU economy is essential to both businesses and workers.
“We must remain within Europe’s protective framework,” said Almlid. “Our industries are tied to the EU, and that is where we belong.”
Følsvik added: “We are part of this economic community, and that unity is what helps us weather global uncertainty.”
A proven history of cooperation
The EU and Norway have previously navigated trade crises together. In 2018, when the USA imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, Norway successfully avoided EU safeguard measures thanks to its EEA membership and longstanding cooperation with Brussels.
While legal experts debate whether current rules would again permit special treatment for Norway, the political message from both sides is clear: the EU sees Norway not as a third country, but as an integral partner.
Market concerns remain, but alliance holds firm
The economic effects of USA tariffs continue to ripple through global markets. Oslo Børs saw widespread losses Monday, with Equinor dropping nearly 3%. Yet Equinor CEO Anders Opedal, also present in Brussels, pointed to the importance of predictability: “The strength of our connection to Europe is vital in uncertain times.”
Despite the turbulence, Norway’s leaders left Brussels with a renewed sense of security. As Støre concluded: “Everyone loses when protectionism rises. But Europe and Norway stand united. The single market is our shared foundation.”
