Brussels, 21/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - In the wake of tragic circumstances, Norway and the EU noted their shared opinions on the fight against terrorism and defending the universal values, on Wednesday 21 January.
Following her meeting in Brussels with Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, the Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, stressed, in the wake of the attacks in Paris (where she took part in the 'march'), that the EU and her country were united in defending the freedom of expression. Norway and the EU work closely together on the Schengen agreement and in the field of foreign and security policy. “If we are to defeat terrorism, we must act together and find the right solutions”, she stressed. “We share the same values (democracy, freedom of expression and of the media, and minorities)”, Tusk confirmed.
The two leaders took stock of the negotiations to review the framework for EU/Norway relations (in the framework of the EEA, the European Economic Area). “I am confident that we will be able to conclude in a near future”, Tusk said.
On immigration, Norway intends to contribute to the regional development and protection programme (in favour of refugees). This is part of the response to “attenuating the humanitarian crisis”, Solberg said. On energy security, “Norway will continue to be a stable and reliable gas supplier to the EU for many years to come”, she said. Tusk added that Norway remained a “reliable partner” as a supplier of gas and oil.
Additionally, Norway announced in Oslo that it was to redefine the outlines of the ice flows in the Arctic, a controversial decision which could open up the Barents Sea to more oil activities. (LC)