European Council President Donald Tusk gave assurances to Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg, when she visited Brussels on Thursday 4 May, that there would be a "close dialogue" between the EU and Norway on the upcoming negotiations between the EU and UK on Brexit.
"Erna Solberg stressed the importance of having a close dialogue in view of the upcoming Brexit talks. I reassured the prime minister that, as one of the EU's closest partners, we will have a close dialogue with Norway throughout the talks. That's what partners do", Tusk told a press conference at the end of his meeting with Solberg.
"These negotiations are difficult enough as they are. If we start arguing before they even begin, they will become impossible. The stakes are too high to let our emotions get out of hand. Because at stake are the daily lives and interests of millions of people on both sides of the Channel. We must keep in mind that in order to succeed, we need today discretion, moderation, mutual respect and a maximum of good will", he said.
As regards energy and climate, Tusk and Solberg underscored the determination of the EU and Norway to implement the 2015 international climate agreement. "Our close cooperation is crucial for energy security and for the Energy Union objectives. And, above all, we are both determined to implement the Paris Agreement", Tusk stated.
The EU and Norway also said they are awaiting confirmation from US President Donald Trump's administration about the USA's commitment to the fight against climate change in line with the Paris Agreement. "There are many ways in which nations can contribute to this fight, and they depend on national choices. No-one proves it better than Norway: how it is perfectly possible and rational to combine being an important supplier of gas and oil as well as being a front-runner in renewable energy", Tusk said. "The Norwegian example should provide encouragement to our American friends, as the climate challenge we all face can only be addressed by common global action", he added.
In addition, Tusk and Solberg confirmed their "strong commitment" to the transatlantic relationship, and to further strengthening security cooperation between NATO and the EU.
With regard to the conflict in east Ukraine, the EU and Norway stated that they remained "firm and consistent" in their approach towards Russia. "We know who the victim is in this conflict, and we will continue working together to advance reforms and development in Ukraine. And we also cooperate when it comes to sanctions towards Russia", Tusk concluded. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)