Norway politician demands probe into EEA membership in huge EU blow inspired by Brexit
A LEADING Norwegian politician has demanded the country finds an alternative to its European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, after the UK voted to leave the European Union.
Norwegian solution for UK unlikely admits Norway PM
Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, leader of Norway’s Centre Party (SP), suggested an inquiry into the country’s deal with Brussels, if his party wins in the September elections.
The EEA allows non-EU countries Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to be part of the single market.
Trygve Slagsvold Vedum has demanded an investigation into Norway’s EEA membership
Those backing a transitional deal for Britain once Brexit is completed are thought to favour an EEA type system, which would also mean continuing to accept free movement within the EU.
However, now Norway’s membership has been put under threat.
Mr Vedum said he expects Norway’s Labour Party, who the SP plans to form a government with, will agree to the proposed investigation.
We want a government elected committee, a public inquiry
He told NRK: “We want a government elected committee, a public inquiry, to investigate what would be beneficial for the Norwegian people and Norway’s government.”
The SP leader said the plans comes off the back of the results of the UK’s EU referendum.
He added: “We need a Norwegian public investigation that looks at both the challenges and opportunities that Brexit presents.”
The SP has for a long time been popular in the polls, and if elected, Mr Vedum’s proposed inquiry could come in to action this autumn.
The EEA allows non-EU countries to be part of the single market
Tory MEP: The UK staying in the EEA would be a disastrous
Labour MP Anniken Huitfeldt, who heads up the government’s foreign and defence committee, supported Mr Vedum’s plans.
She said: “We conducted a European inquiry the last time we were in government. It is not a bad plan to have a similar investigation now.”
However, Mrs Huitfeldt stated the Labour Party currently supports the EEA agreement.
She said: “For the Labour Party, the EEA is the cornerstone of our relationship with the EU.
Those backing a transitional deal once Brexit is completed are thought to favour an EEA type system
“The fact that Britain leaves does not affect the EEA's importance to our economy.”
Norway’s EEA minister Frank Bakke-Jensen has previously said that to negotiate the EEA deal with Brussels is a “hopeless project”.
He said: “It is simply irresponsible to suggest a termination and renegotiation of the EEA Agreement.
“We would get a much worse deal.”