EU Steps Up Pressure on Norway Over Slow Adoption of Regulations

Brussels is turning up the heat on Norway, with sources indicating a significant increase in pressure to expedite the adoption of EU regulations. The European Commission, along with the Council and Parliament, has agreed on an unprecedented roadmap with firm deadlines for adopting a raft of new laws by the end of 2027. This internal EU push is now directly translating into a more forceful stance towards its EEA partners, including Norway. The message from Brussels is clear: the days of leisurely incorporating EU legislation are over. The backlog of unadopted EU legal acts in Norway, now standing at 565, is becoming an increasingly costly liability. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has acknowledged this growing expense, highlighting that the EEA agreement is proving insufficient. This situation risks Norway being treated more like a third country, potentially leading to disadvantages in trade and other areas, as seen in past disputes over trade barriers. The urgency from the EU is palpable, and Norway must adapt swiftly to avoid further economic and political repercussions.

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I am quite worried. What we are now hearing from all official meetings, in various contexts, is that the EU has tightened up on this backlog. It is the first point in all meetings all the time, regardless of what they are talking about.