ABSTRACT

When Norwegian citizens voted no to European Union membership, the idea that it would be possible to conduct a foreign policy that was different from that of the European great powers if the country remained outside the Union was important. Nevertheless, Norway has entered into a set of separate agreements with the EU in the domain of foreign and security policy. The chapter examines the main features of Norway's policy towards the EU. It finds that in the making of this policy the balance has tipped even more in favour of action capacity and executive dominance. The formal limitations on parliament's opportunity to influence the whole spectrum of foreign policy are somewhat compensated for in that the government informs parliament of its activities in various ways. Parliament receives written reports, amongst other things on Norway's relationship with international organisations such as the North American treaty organization (NATO), the Council of Europe and the Nordic Council of Ministers.