An analysis on the propensity towards integration of Norway by means of accession to the European Economic Area

• Main Authors: De Guzman, Gazel T., Plan, Fraulein Emmanuelle M., Puertollano, Jeanne Carmel L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: European Union > Norway; Europe > Economic integration; Europpean Economic Community > Norway; International and Area Studies
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/7318
• Institution: De La Salle University

According to the neofunctionalist logic, integration is seen to be beneficial by most states because of the economic and political gains that a state may reap from being part of such process. However, there are certain states which choose not to be part of this process due to its internal political society which in part rejects the idea of integration as they deem themselves having more to lose than to gain. In a country as economically potent as Norway, having one of the world[s best welfare systems, public opinion towards integration has been disparaging as reflected by the result of referenda held in 1972 and 1994. However, as the Norway populace has rejected attempts towards complete integration, a small majority, 47% is being formed and this side of the Norway has voted for integration. Moreover, an improvement in the relations between Norway and EU member states has been forged through the European Economic Area: dealing with economic matters and the abolition of barriers to trade. This thesis uses the neofunctionalist theory in explaining the benefits while subscribing to the European Economic Area as well as the implications of the possible integration of Norway into the European Union.