The “Norway model” consists of around 120 agreements, with the EEA agreement as the centerpiece. But the bonds between Norway and the UK are strong, and if a conflict were to ensue between the EU and the UK, Norway would have to make hard choices. One issue that recently sparked great controversy in Norway is whether Norway should join the EU’s Third Energy Package, which governs the bloc’s energy market. The traditional Norwegian political climate of consensus also contributes to maintaining the status quo by keeping most controversial issues outside the scope of active politics. The EU issue has sparked profound controversy and in contrast to Norway, even rather mundane issues may be politicized and linked to matters of high principle.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 15, 2018 16:18 UTC