Event

Norway has cooperated with the EU in matters of foreign policy, security and defence for decades. It has participated in EU civilian and military operations, aligned itself with EU political declarations and restrictive measures against states and/or individuals, and collaborated with the European Defence Agency (EDA).  

Unlike other frameworks of cooperation, such as the EEA and Schengen agreements, EU-Norway cooperation in foreign policy, security and defence does not rely on a single setup, with elaborate institutional arrangements and dynamic obligations. Rather, Norway joins forces with the Union in an ad hoc fashion and often based on informal arrangements. This allows for flexibility, but also entails that Norway has few formal channels for exerting influence on EU CFSP decisions to which it subsequently subscribes. Against this backdrop, and as the EU has become more active in this policy area, Norway has shown a renewed interest in deepening its cooperation with the EU in CFSP matters.

At this seminar, we will examine how Norway can enhance its cooperation and develop its institutional arrangements with the EU in this fast-evolving field. The discussion will be based on an assessment of what the EU is able to offer in view of its constitutional framework, as informed by its on-going discussions with the UK on a future security partnership post-Brexit. Given the increasing interactions between the CFSP and other fields of EU activities, we will also discuss whether Norway may draw an integration dividend from its participation in the single market through the EEA, to build a deeper and more participatory cooperation with the EU in CFSP matters.

The seminar marks the end of the project “EU security and third countries: EU, UK and Norway”. Project manager Christophe Hillion will present the main findings from the project, and NUPI Director Ulf Sverdrup will chair the event. The seminar will be live streamed on NUPIs YouTube channel: