Today the Government will present a white paper on the implementation of its European policy. The white paper contains a number of concrete measures to systematise and increase the efficiency of EU- and EEA-related work.

- It is important that our European policy is characterised by openness and dialogue, said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. - We will make greater use of the opportunities we have to influence European issues that are relevant to us. This approach will also be reflected in the way we work with EEA- and EU-related matters in Norway.”

The white paper follows up on the promise contained in the Government’s policy platform to review the experience in connection with the Schengen Agreement.

- The Schengen cooperation has been valuable for Norway, and we will give priority to cooperating with EU countries in the fight against cross-border crime,” Mr Gahr Støre said.

The white paper focuses on work methods and how Norway’s activities in this area are organised. It contains a number of specific measures for implementing the Government’s objectives.

The English translation of the white paper will be published on www.odin.dep.no/ud next week.