Sweden's NATO membership has removed a major obstacle to a unified Nordic security policy, prompting renewed discussions in Norway regarding EU membership.
With Sweden joining NATO in March 2024, the last significant barrier to a cohesive Nordic security policy has been lifted. This development opens the door for further integration within Europe, as neighboring countries reassess their positions on security and cooperation. In Iceland, preparations for a referendum to resume EU membership negotiations are underway, signaling a shift in attitude towards European collaboration among Nordic nations.
In Norway, the political atmosphere is heating up around EU membership as the Høyre party convenes for a conference aimed at electing a successor to former Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The Oslo district within the party is advocating for a prominent push in the EU debate, including the demand for a new referendum on membership in the European Union. Influenced by global superpower dynamics involving the USA, Russia, and China, key members of the Høyre party are suggesting that Europe might be the safest option moving forward.
Merete Agerbak-Jensen, a leading figure in the Oslo chapter of Høyre, emphasizes the urgency of addressing the EU membership question amid these geopolitical tensions. Drawing inspiration from Sweden's recent NATO accession and the remarks made by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, party leaders are looking to bolster their claims for a new EU membership referendum, suggesting a serious shift in Norway's stance towards greater integration with the European Union.
