The development of the EU is continually presenting us with new opportunities and challenges, and we must equip ourselves to deal them.

In connection with this, we have presented a white paper on the implementation of our European policy. The intention is to enable us to pursue a more active, clear and transparent European policy that better reflects our political objectives.

Norway is not a member of the EU. This is the basis from which we have to work. We are not there at the table when decisions are made. Therefore we must be realistic as regards our possibilities of exerting an influence in areas of importance to us.

The EEA Agreement and the Schengen Agreement are our most important links with the EU. They enable us to resolve common problems, meet challenges and safeguard our fundamental interests and values. These agreements have functioned as intended and produced good results. They have yielded greater gains than many had hoped and cost less than many had feared. We are continuing to build on this now.

It is important to establish political priorities in specific matters. We do not have to be equally involved in all matters. Often our interests coincide with those of the EU. Often EU policy is also beneficial for Norway.

When 25 European countries agree on something, as a rule we are also able to agree. But not always. Therefore we must be vigilant, energetic and think strategically. Once we have made a decision to participate in a given context, we must ensure that we are clear, coordinated and have the necessary expertise, and that we put forward our positions at an early stage. And we must remain vigilant throughout the entire decision-making process. Much can be changed in the final stages.

An active debate on European issues is necessary for conducting an active policy. Dialogue generates solutions. Discussion engenders involvement. Transparency sheds light on issues.

Today there are many actors in society who have knowledge and expertise on Europe as well as networks and contacts. If we are to succeed in achieving the goals we set, all parts of society must be involved in European policy issues, and we must take steps to improve cooperation so that we make better use of the expertise that is already available.

In order to ensure transparency, we have established a number of forums where we can share our views with external groups and actors, such as the social partners, local and regional authorities and the Samediggi (Sami parliament), NGOs and the European research community.

We want to strengthen this dialogue further. Taking inspiration from the Irish Forum, we will now establish a national European forum, which I myself will chair. The purpose is to encourage dialogue and debate on European challenges and opportunities between the participants of already established forums, with the political community as a special target group. Our long-term objective is to create a forum that will facilitate an informed and stimulating debate on European issues. We will also invite representatives from different religious and belief communities, and from various firms and enterprises.

The theme of the meetings should reflect the Norwegian European policy agenda. In order to ensure that there is a good and lively debate, it is important that the topics discussed are relevant and clearly defined.

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(*) For Norwegian full length versions of this text, see Mr Støre’s speech on 14 November 2006 (opening address – National European Forum) or 17 November 2006 (An active European Policy).