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Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the EU: Forgotten enlargement?
November 26, 2002 12:00 AM
Local Euro MP, Diana Wallis, has launched a new book, 'Forgotten Enlargement: Future EU Relations with Iceland, Norway and Switzerland' in Brussels.
"Enlargement is dominating the agenda in Brussels and Strasbourg. Given the delicate negotiations involved, much of the European institutions' time and energy will be devoted to making enlargement a success. These negotiations will leave unanswered questions about Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
"These are three prosperous countries: due to the success of the EEA Agreement, Norway and Iceland have already taken 80% of the acquis communitaire into national legislation. Yet by 2004, with the European Union set to border the Ukraine, they will probably remain outside the EU. A Pole or a Cypriot will have more say over much of the law passed in Iceland and Norway than will the voters in either of those two states.
"For Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, the European Union is an unavoidable player. Whether members or not, managing relations with the EU is a political and economic priority. 'Forgotten Enlargement' examines the performance of EFTA and the EEA Agreement. It is clear that as the EU grows and develops, these institutions become ever more inadequate and raise serious concerns about democratic legitimacy.
"Any of the three could start negotiations for EU membership tomorrow, but the conditions on which they will do so will be vital. There is a danger that relations between these countries and the EU will become strained, conducted around a stark 'in or out' position. 'Forgotten Enlargement' puts the case for a flexible and open dialogue between the EU and these countries and demonstrates that as a member state of the EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland would have much to contribute. The Yorkshire and the Humber region has a long commercial and cultural link with these three countries so it is important to observe developments in their relationship with the EU. "
The Centre for Reform is an independent public policy think-tank open to those who wish to debate social, economic and political reform. Copies of 'Forgotten Enlargement' can be obtained from:
The Centre for Reform
25 Museum St.
London WC1A 1JT
United Kingdom
Phone: + 44 207 6313566
Fax: +44 207 631 3577
Email: info@cfr.org.uk
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