25th anniversary of the European Economic Area
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: The Office of the Prime Minister
Speech/statement | Date: 22/03/2019
Statement by Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the celebration of the anniversary of the European Economic Area-agreement in Brussel, 22 March 2019.
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Today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the European Economic Area - together. This is an expression of the shared interests and values that bind us together.
The agreement has contributed to securing welfare and jobs – both in the EU and in Norway. At the same time, we need to find answers to the challenges European citizens face.
Norway is committed to doing its part.
The Single Market is key to achieving this. We will work to increase European competitiveness. And to create conditions for growth and jobs. We believe in close European cooperation, to find solutions to challenges like climate change and migration, but also social inclusion and injustice. We have also launched an initiative to combat crime in the European labour market.
Doing so is all the more important as populism feeds off discontent and anxiety. We must maintain our citizens’ trust in European cooperation.
And I think this cooperation has shown that it has been of benefit to us all.
Thank you.