Norway Outside the European Union

Book excerpt: In November 1994 the Norwegian electorate rejected membership of the European Union. Professor Archer examines the background to this decision both in terms of an expression of interests within Norway and in terms of national feeling. He then investigates the subsequent interaction between Norway and the EU through the European Economic Area (EEA) - which allowed Norway access to the EU's markets; the Schengen agreement - dealing with justice and border matters and the Common Foreign and Security Policy. It includes discussion of policies that have had a particular effect on Norway, such as those of the gas directive, fisheries and the sale of alcohol and looks at how Norway has adapted itself to EU policy, noting the cases where the country has dug in its heels and when it has been acquiescent. This book will appeal to students and researchers with an interest in European integration and Nordic studies in general.