The Minister’s talking points
Check against delivery

Friends,

I would like to welcome you all to this first meeting of the National Forum on Europe.

We have a rather unconventional and rather exciting venue – here in Oslo’s first transformer station, which supplied the first electricity, from Hammeren power station, to the city. And, as many of you are aware, the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture won the state prize for architecture, Statens Byggeskikkpris, a couple of weeks ago.

A transformer station by the Akerselva river serving as the arena for Norwegian discussions on Europe gives associations – for me – of power, development, energy, good design, sparks, reuse and new ideas. This is good!

I have looked forward to starting this Forum on Europe. Many people were behind the idea – the desire to bring new perspectives to the debate on Europe. We have been inspired by similar forums in other countries, but this one has been designed for Norway’s particular situation.

The Government sets out a clear vision in its policy platform – on the basis of our present ties with Europe, Norway will make an active contribution towards solidarity and security in Europe.

We will take advantage of our common opportunities, take our share of Europe’s responsibilities, and promote community and solidarity.

The Government will pursue an active, unambiguous and open European policy. We will – proactively – safeguard Norwegian interests vis-à-vis the EU.

In the white paper on the implementation of our European policy, which is currently being discussed in the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Government makes it clear that it wishes greater debate and a higher level of awareness about European issues in Norwegian society.

Openness and dialogue are key; they are vital for an active European policy.

The European debate has for some time focused on two words: yes and no. The yes/no discussion is an important one. But we have to go further and deeper; we have to stimulate discussion on what changes taking place in Europe mean for us, and what we mean for Europe.

We want to involve everyone in the commitments the Government has made in its European policy. Our national Forum on Europe is one of several ways of doing so.

However, here in this forum, I, State Secretary Stubholt and my colleagues in the Ministry will act as “facilitators” rather than “directors”. We are inviting you to shape the debate rather than driving it ourselves.

In other words, the Forum on Europe is an additional arena to our regular consultations with the social partners, organisations, centres of expertise and research, regional authorities and the Sámidiggi (the Sami Parliament), etc.

Our intention is that this will be a forum for topical political discussion, where different viewpoints can be thrashed out, where key European developments – and their consequences for Norway both at national level and in the broader European context – can be debated.

The Forum for Europe will be on a smaller scale than the annual Conference on Europe, in order to facilitate more active discussion. The goal is not to reach conclusions or agreement. What I want to achieve is a nuanced and constructive debate and a higher level of awareness.

Today the forum is being held in Oslo. But the members of the forum and the location will vary. We are aiming to hold a national Forum on Europe in other parts of the country on an yearly basis, in cooperation with organisations and bodies that have particular knowledge about or interest in particular issues.

Today we have two themes on the agenda: energy – which is particularly appropriate in a former transformer station; and – equally topical – migration.

Firstly, energy security, energy supply and energy dependency are all key considerations in foreign and security policies today.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and Russia’s dominant position in gas deliveries to many EU countries, has led the EU to put the spotlight on energy supply issues. Energy policy is at the top of the EU agenda.

Secondly, migration, which can be approached in several ways. Norway, like the EU, has emphasised taking an integrated approach to migration and refugees. It is important to take into account the positive effects of migration – the economic and social factors and the advantages for both country of origin and host country – but there are also challenges, and they are real.

Energy and migration are both topics that engage us and stimulate debate. At the next crossroads, when there will be a longer planning horizon, I would like you to suggest topics for discussion in the Forum on Europe.

The form that the Forum will take is not “carved in stone”. We will all take part in the development of the Forum as a good arena for discussion. I have sought to ensure a wide range of participants at this first meeting. Some representatives will probably take part quite often, while others will come and go according to the issues up for discussion. I have tried to ensure that representatives, for example from the social partners, regional and local authorities, researchers and NGOs, have been selected on the basis of natural points of contact.

For example, we have let the Norsk Forum for europaforskning select three representatives. The representatives from the social partners have been selected by the Consultative Committee chair. The intention has been to ensure the greatest possible freedom. The party groups in the Storting have each selected two representatives. The media and other interested groups have also been invited to follow the debate to the extent that there is space available at any given meeting.

As I look round here today – and please don’t take offence at this – it strikes me that we have to involve more young people. The issues we will be discussing are all about the future – of Europe and of Norway. I have my own ideas about a possible arena, but I would very much appreciate ideas from you.

Once again, I would like to welcome you all to this first, historic meeting of the National Forum on Europe in Norway.

[ Translated from Norwegian]