”As the European Commission now has adopted a definitive safeguard measure against the imports of Norwegian farmed salmon, we have decided to pursue the issue under the Dispute Settlement System of the World Trade Organisation”, Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik says.

“We see no justification in WTO regulations for EU safeguard measures in this matter. This is and has been our opinion”, the Prime Minister says.

“The Norwegian farmed salmon industry is efficient and competitive without any form of state support. This is to the benefit of EU consumers and processing industry. Norway intends to find a long term solution that will contribute to a just and predictable trade regime”, Mr. Bondevik says.

The Prime Minister says the Government has been in close contact with the industry’s organisations during the past year.

Chile has already asked for salmon consultations in the WTO.