Samenvatting

Norway rejected EC/EU membership in 1972, and then again in 1994. The aim of this report is to investigate why Norway has chosen to remain outside the union. The majority of the Norwegian government has supported a membership ever since the issue first was raised. Nevertheless, the people of Norway have defied the wishes of their government. The findings of this report will therefore be based on three underlying components being, history, nationalism and wealth which will explain the high level of eurosceptism amongst the Norwegians. Furthermore it will investigate the most important
arguments against membership which constitute; fishery policy, agriculture policy, the expected increase in unemployment, an anticipated loss of democracy, loss of national identity, infringement on sovereignty, the lack of influence in the EC/EU and the anticipated loss of influence on foreign affairs. The report will conclude with that the Norwegian rejection of the EC/EU is a result of strong national identity, self interest, self-determination, lack of information and/or lack of interest shown by the Norwegian people as well as a lack of economical need.