Biannual address to the Storting on important EU and EEA matters

Translation from the Norwegian
Check against delivery

 

Mr President,

The assessment of international and Norwegian health authorities is, at this moment in time, that the flu outbreak in Mexico will not lead to a pandemic with a high mortality rate. Close surveillance, extensive testing, thorough analyses and well-functioning networks for comparing the results are providing national authorities with an up-to-date, realistic picture of the situation.

At the moment it looks like we are entering a phase where many people are being infected, but where those who become ill have relatively mild symptoms.  However, we are still at an early stage in the course of the virus. We may be facing a pandemic, and the efforts to determine the properties of the new virus must continue.

In the current situation, we are fortunate that there is a strong public network of cooperating services, with the World Health Organisation at the centre. I call it a public network because these are services built up by organisations that countries have financed together, year by year, budget by budget. Only a structure of this kind has the credibility required to classify the severity of an outbreak according to established categories. There was no such network when the world was hit by the Spanish flu in 1918. The situation today is fundamentally different. We are in a much better position to deal with the outbreak, even if it should prove to be severe.

Here in our part of the world, Norway is cooperating actively with the EU Health Security Committee on measures to combat influenza A, which is the correct name of the disease, although for several weeks it has been referred to as “swine flu”. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, which is located in Stockholm, is assisting by monitoring the disease and providing scientific advice. The measures taken by the Norwegian health authorities are in keeping with the recommendations of both the WHO and the EU. Given the international cooperation and the public network of expertise that has been built up over time, Norway is well equipped to deal with the situation in the time ahead.

 

Mr President,

2009 will be the first year since the Second World War to witness a global economic downturn. The crisis is affecting the political situation all over the world, Europe included.

The dramatic figures we are seeing are having major consequences. Only yesterday, the European Commission issued a forecast projecting a decline in GDP in the EU by 4% in 2009, and an unemployment rate approaching 11%. Underlying tensions are coming to the surface, creating growing political and social unrest. Two countries in our immediate vicinity, Iceland and Latvia, have already been severely hit, and have entered into agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on stabilisation loans, bolstered by loans from Norway. Even stable European economies are struggling to cope with the situation.

We should be cautious about making predictions about social and political consequences. But this is how the crisis has developed: it began in the financial sector, after a few months it hit the real economy, and this in turn has led to social, and in some cases political, consequences. The sharp rise in unemployment is in itself a potential source of social and political turmoil. We may see popular reactions that challenge apparent political stability.

Norway has strong interests in our European neighbourhood. Four fifths of Norwegian imports and exports go to and come from the EU. The economic situation in the rest of Europe affects us. A decline in the European economy means a decline in Norwegian exports. The stability in our part of the world is negatively affected by economic problems in key countries. And as I said, we don’t know how an economic downturn on the scale we are now witnessing in an increasing number of countries will affect societies, both politically and socially.

 

Mr President,

The global economic crisis poses a challenge to the EU as an organisation. There is little doubt that the EU has played a coordinating role and that EU legislation is curbing the temptation to resort to protectionism. At the same time, there are limits to what we can expect EU cooperation to achieve. Important aspects of fiscal policy and economic policy are a national responsibility. The crisis is affecting everyone, but to different degrees. Unemployment in the Netherlands is under 3%, whereas in Spain it is approaching 20%. The crisis is putting the sense of solidarity and community to the test.

In many cases there are obvious conflicts of interest between the member states, and there is disagreement as to the policy choices that can and must be made at Community level. Nonetheless, the EU has largely succeeded in pursuing a coherent policy for dealing with the crisis. The Euro cooperation has also proved to be robust. The situation would have been much more unstable if there were 12–14 currencies fluctuating in different directions.

The development of EU policy and Community legislation in the economic field is important for Norway. Through the EEA Agreement, we participate in the development of legislation, for example for financial services. And we are obliged to implement this legislation. It is essential for Norway to follow these processes closely.

In general, international rules that derive from EU legislation are to our benefit. But there is often internal disagreement on this legislation in the EU, and every decision is the result of extensive negotiations. It is difficult for Norway as a non-member to make its voice heard. The Government is aware of these challenges and is using formal and informal channels to put forward our views.

At the European Council meeting on 19–20 March, a decision was made to double the ceiling for the Union’s support facility for balance-of-payments assistance to member states outside the eurozone. The EU decided to increase its contribution to the IMF’s capital base to EUR 75 billion. Norway has also offered to make an additional NOK 30 billion available to the IMF.

The most important international reform process is taking place in the G20. The EU plays a key role in the G20; four EU member states, the country holding the Presidency and the Commission are permanent members of the G20. Even though the EU member states may disagree among themselves as to what measures should be implemented, the EU is generally considered to be an important driver of global policy development.

Norway provided input to the G20 process and agrees with the conclusions of the G20 summit in London: strengthen financial regulation, reform the international financial institutions and reject protectionism.

The G20 also discussed tax havens. The Government has been working to combat tax havens for a long time, and a great deal has happened in this area. The Secretary-General of the OECD recently noted that more progress has been achieved in the fight against tax havens in the last few weeks than over the past decade.

It is positive that the G20 has come together to agree on measures in response to the economic crisis. But in Norway’s view it is an important principle that all countries should have an opportunity to be heard. Therefore, the G20’s recommendations must be endorsed by the relevant multilateral forums: the WTO, the IMF, the development banks and the UN system.

Despite the dramatic global economic downturn, the WTO points out that so far it has not had a correspondingly adverse impact on trade policy.  The existing multilateral trading system has prevented a substantial increase in protectionist measures and countermeasures. There are, however, signs of movement in the wrong direction. Therefore, it is important that the WTO negotiations in what is known as the Doha round are completed. This would send an unequivocal signal that the member countries are prepared to resist protectionist pressure and limit the degree of freedom the countries actually have to introduce protectionist measures. It is essential, however, that the result is balanced and that it safeguards Norwegian interests.

The crisis in the world economy shows that we need a robust international legal order and a range of effective global institutions to maintain and further develop this legal order.  Norway’s economy and prosperity are closely linked with these global processes. The legislation Norway undertakes to comply with through the EEA Agreement ensures Norwegian companies’ competitiveness. How we shape our welfare policy is a national concern.

At the same time it is essential that the international economy functions in order to promote efficiency and economic growth, which in turn promote prosperity. We must not lose sight of this. We must maintain our commitment to a functioning internal market, and we must show solidarity with those of our neighbouring countries that are more severely affected than we are. It is precisely now that we must continue our efforts to combat climate change and promote development in the poorest countries in cooperation with the EU and other partners.

We did just this within the framework of the Arctic Council a week ago. During Norway’s chairmanship of the Council, leading researchers provided new insights into the drama of global warming. The ice is melting more quickly than expected, more quickly even than the gravest estimates made by the IPCC only a few years ago. The data on climate change in the north were decisive for the IPCC’s conclusions. We must use new insights into developments in the same areas – and elsewhere where there are glaciers and ice – to further strengthen our political ability and will to act in the run-up to the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December.

 

Mr President,

The parliamentary elections in Iceland on 25 April gave the left, led by the Social Democratic Alliance and the Left-Green Movement, a solid majority (34 of 63 seats). This increases the likelihood that Iceland will apply for EU membership. The current negotiations on forming a government will, however, determine how to proceed on the membership issue and whether it will be necessary to hold a referendum before an application can be submitted.

What consequences will it have for the EEA cooperation if Iceland decides to apply for membership? So far the crisis in Iceland has not affected the functioning of the EEA Agreement. If Iceland should decide to apply for membership, the Government will conduct a thorough study of the possible consequences for Norway.

The EEA Agreement is the cornerstone of Norway’s relations with the EU. Fifteen years of experience have shown that the Agreement fulfils its main objective, which is to ensure predictable and equal conditions for Norwegian business and industry in the EU internal market. The Agreement also provides a basis for mutually beneficial cooperation in a broad range of areas such as the environment, health, education and research. The EEA Agreement is a well-functioning agreement that has evolved over time. All parties have been in favour of maintaining the Agreement and regarded it as a good framework for safeguarding a broad range of important ties between our countries.

In my view, the Government has a clear responsibility to work systematically to ensure the functioning and integrity of the EEA Agreement. The Government is mindful of this responsibility.

 

Mr President,

The issue of energy security has figured even more prominently in European politics during the past six months. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine on gas deliveries has increased the urgency of a debate that was already under way on improving supply security in the EU. Many of the new member states are only partly connected to electricity and gas networks in other member states, and this has increased the need for long-term plans to improve internal energy supply lines in the EU.

The first major decisions on strengthening the energy infrastructure in Europe were taken in connection with the economic package discussed by the European Council in March. The EU intends to support the development of electricity and gas networks with a view to improving energy security in, for example, the Baltic countries and Poland. At the same time it is supporting projects in fields such as wind power that can enhance the EU’s ability to increase its own energy production.

Norway welcomes these initiatives. The EU is our most important energy export market. Through the EEA Agreement, the EU sets important parameters for Norwegian energy policy. We are part of the EU internal energy market. Norway’s most important contribution to European energy security is our gas exports, which are growing. We will continue to be a stable, long-term and predictable energy supplier.

In addition to a better internal energy supply network, new sources of supply and transport routes for gas and electricity imported from outside are being discussed in the EU. As a major energy exporter, Norway is best served by a stable European energy market. Stability and supply security can only be achieved through a close, clear dialogue with all supplier countries. Norway welcomes measures that secure Europe’s energy supply and promote price predictability.

The EU climate and energy package, which was adopted at the meeting of the European Council just before the end of the year, calls for a sharp increase in the development of renewable energy. Such an increase would improve European energy security and help to combat global warming by making it possible to limit growth in the production and use of fossil fuels. As I said in my previous address, the EU intends to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix from 8.5% in 2005 to 20% in 2020. Approximately 60% of the energy consumed in Norway today is from renewable sources, and Norway’s starting point is therefore very different from that of the EU member states.

The Union’s Renewable Energy Directive is an important part of European climate and energy policy. The directive is considered to be EEA-relevant and both poses challenges and offers opportunities for Norway. The high share of renewables in our energy mix means that we have fewer opportunities to switch from fossil fuels to renewables compared with other countries. On the other hand, we have natural advantages as regards production of renewable energy. Our hydropower resources can still be further developed, and we are only just beginning to develop wind power. These opportunities can be developed in cooperation with other European countries. The Renewable Energy Directive paves the way for this and will help to increase the market for renewable energy technologies. The Government is currently considering how the directive can be incorporated into the EEA Agreement and will negotiate with the Commission to determine what adaptations are necessary.

Research and the development of new technologies are key in EU efforts to develop renewable energy in Europe. The EU has adopted an action plan for energy technology. The priorities set out in the plan coincide by and large with our own priorities. This provides a basis for closer cooperation with the EU on new renewable energy technologies in the time ahead. In my view, this will be beneficial to both Norway and the EU.

 

Mr President,

The EU is showing a greater interest in the Arctic and the northernmost parts of Europe, which is manifesting itself in many different ways. Last November the European Commission released a report on the EU and the Arctic region. The EU will use this report to forge and adopt an overall policy towards the region.

The geopolitical changes in the High North and the climate changes that will change the parameters for human activity in the Arctic are causing many actors to turn their attention towards the north. Norway intends to ensure that the political and legal instruments for governing the Arctic are strengthened, not weakened, by these changes, and that the interests of the Arctic coastal states are safeguarded. In the Government’s view, it is fundamental – and in keeping with Norway’s interests – to engage the EU more closely in Arctic efforts in a constructive manner. We therefore welcome the Commission’s report.

At the same time, we must make it clear that the Law of the Sea applies in the Arctic Ocean, as reaffirmed by the Arctic coastal states in Ilulissat a year ago. While the European Commission has outlined a similar approach in its report on the Arctic region, the European Parliament favours a separate treaty for the Arctic.

In the Government’s view, if such a treaty is intended as an alternative to the existing legal order, it would undermine the current international legal regime for the northern sea areas. We have therefore had extensive contact with the European Parliament, the Commission and a number of EU member states to inform them of our views.

Norway is also working to persuade the US and Russia to accede to international environmental conventions and assist in their effective implementation with a view to promoting sustainable development in the Arctic. Like the EU, Norway also wishes to further develop relevant environmental agreements so that they can be adapted to the situation in the Arctic.

The EU’s focus on the north and the east coincides with the prominent roles being played by several Nordic countries. The member states hold the chairmanship of the regional councils on a rotating basis. Norway has just concluded its chairmanship of the Arctic Council and passed the baton to Denmark. In two years’ time, Sweden will take over. Norway, Denmark and Sweden have developed a joint Nordic working programme for the six years of their consecutive chairmanship periods. Sweden will take over the chairmanship of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council in October, and Denmark is chairing the Council of the Baltic Sea States until 1 July this year. Moreover, Sweden will hold the EU presidency this autumn, while Denmark is hosting the Climate Change Conference in December.

The conjunction of these events gives the Nordic countries a good opportunity to consolidate their efforts and put the northernmost parts of Europe on the map. The Government has been very conscious of the potential the Nordic countries now have for setting the agenda.

We already see an increased interest in the High North and the Arctic in the whole of Europe. We also see an increased interest in the way the cooperation between Europe and Russia is being given substance in these bodies. The EU, the EEA countries and Russia have already developed partnership agreements on health and the environment within the framework of the Northern Dimension. A partnership on transport and logistics will be implemented as from 2010, and a proposal for a cultural partnership is currently being developed. We also see that the regional structures and the cross-border cooperation in Northern Europe are a source of inspiration for other regional cooperation arrangements further south. This is a good thing.

Sweden has already signalled that the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region will be one of the priorities of the Swedish EU presidency in autumn 2009. This strategy will be important for Norway as an EEA country, shipping nation, steward of marine resources and participant in existing measures to combat organised crime.

During its EU presidency, Sweden will also play a key role in the start-up of the Eastern Partnership, which will be officially launched on 7 May. The aim of the partnership is to reduce the political and economic disparities between member states and non-member states in Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus.

Six countries have been invited to participate: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The EU will work at the bilateral level to establish free-trade agreements with each of these countries. At the multilateral level, the focus will be on democracy and good governance, economic integration, energy security and people-to-people contacts.

The path leading up to the launching this week has been a difficult one. The Georgia crisis last year gave rise to uncertainty as to what course Russia would take. The economic crisis is making it more difficult to finance measures. The membership prospects of the partnership countries are also a controversial issue. At the same time the EU recognises that there is a need for a vision for the development of the area between the Union and Russia. As this is also part of Norway’s neighbouring area, we have expressed interest in being involved in this partnership.

While I’m on the subject of regional cooperation in the north, I would also like to mention a difficult issue in our relations with the EU: the forthcoming decision to ban trade in seal products. Norway has worked hard on many levels to prevent such a decision, which in our view is incompatible with the core principles of sustainable resource management. I would particularly like to commend the members of the Storting for the efforts they have made to gain understanding for our views.

 

However, we have to acknowledge that we have not succeeded. There is a profound difference between the perceptions of decision-makers on the Continent and the reality experienced by Norway as a coastal nation with rich marine resources. We regret this, and have made it clear to the EU. I have also notified the EU Trade Commissioner that if the EU adopts a comprehensive ban, Norway will consider taking the matter to the WTO.

 

Mr President,

I have already touched on the prominent role played by the Nordic countries. In this connection I would like to recall that in June 2008 Thorvald Stoltenberg was commissioned by the Nordic foreign ministers to prepare a report containing bold, long-term proposals aimed at strengthening Nordic foreign and security policy cooperation. The report was presented on 9 February this year, and my colleagues and I are now considering how it should be followed up, initially in the period leading up to next meeting of Nordic foreign ministers on 9 June.

The report has been well received in the Nordic countries, and Nordic cooperation has been put on the public agenda. The 13 proposal contained in the report have been designed with all the Nordic countries in mind, but it is also possible for two or more countries to initiate cooperation. It is quite natural that the various proposals are given different weight in the various capitals. The proposals can serve as a basis for political processes and innovative thinking, and prompt measures that are not discussed in the report. It is also important to build on existing cooperation where this is possible.

Without anticipating how the various countries will follow up the report, I envisage closer Nordic military cooperation, closer cooperation between the Nordic foreign services and closer cooperation on information security. For Norway it is also natural to further develop the proposal on maritime monitoring with our neighbours and partners.

The proposal regarding a Nordic declaration of solidarity will require close consideration and may require time to develop. Any economic consequences implementation of the proposals might have will be considered in the normal way as part of ordinary budget processes. I also assume that the report will be discussed at the Nordic Council’s session this autumn.

 

Mr President,

As a result of European cooperation, all citizens of EEA member states may freely travel to and stay in other EEA countries. But many people from other parts of the world come here because they feel they have no other choice. Asylum seekers must be guaranteed fair treatment in the whole of Europe. The EU is therefore seeking to develop a common European asylum system.

As part of this process, the European Commission in February adopted a proposal to establish a European asylum support office. The purpose of the office will be to facilitate, coordinate and step up cooperation between member states on asylum matters. Another important goal is to harmonise practices in the EU.

The Schengen cooperation has created a European free travel area without internal border control. The asylum practices of our neighbouring countries have an impact on the number of people who apply for asylum in Norway. We wish to participate in the EU countries’ discussions on asylum practices and guidelines. It is also essential for Norway that the asylum practices of the countries we cooperate with conform to international standards. This ensures that we are able to safely return asylum seekers to other European countries without any risk of violating fundamental rights.

The Commission’s proposal opens the possibility that countries like Norway, which already has other agreements with the EU regarding asylum, could conclude agreements on cooperation with the asylum support office. In the Government’s view, it is important that we participate. We are therefore entering into dialogue with the Commission regarding such cooperation.

 

Mr President,

I would now like to turn to some of the EEA issues that are currently most pressing.

I have already spoken about the ambitious climate and energy package adopted by the EU countries in December 2008. The decisions included in the package will be an important contribution to the climate summit in Copenhagen in December.

The aim is to incorporate key elements of the climate and energy package into the EEA Agreement. The process of developing Norwegian positions and assessing the need for adaptations is now under way. The measures must be implemented in a cost-efficient manner, and we will have to maintain our national freedom of manoeuvre if we are to succeed in our own climate policy. We are engaged in a constructive dialogue with the Commission with a view to safeguarding Norwegian interests in this process.

Another issue that has attracted a lot of interest lately is the EU’s proposal for a new consumer rights directive. At present, Norway can provide better consumer rights than the minimum requirements established by EU directives. In the new draft directive, the Commission proposes full harmonisation. This means that national legislation cannot include rules that deviate from those set out in the directive or rules that go any further in protecting consumers in the areas harmonised by the directive. A number of points still remain unclear as regards the scope of the directive, and the European Commission and the Council are now seeking to clarify these. The effects of full harmonisation in this field therefore also remain unclear.

Our basic position is that consumer rights under Norwegian law, seen as a whole, should be maintained. The Government is therefore making use of all available channels to advocate that the draft directive be amended. Together with the other EEA/EFTA countries we have made a joint declaration expressing our scepticism about full harmonisation. We also have valuable allies among the other Nordic countries and key EU countries. I am confident that the directive will be amended for the better.

According to Article 19 of the EEA Agreement, the contracting parties have an obligation to carry out reviews of the conditions of trade in agricultural products at two-yearly intervals with a view to achieving progressive liberalisation of agricultural trade. These reviews are to be carried out within the framework of their respective agricultural policies and are to be mutually beneficial. In recent years the EU has been critical of what has been perceived by the EU as a restrictive Norwegian position on opening up to increased imports of agricultural products.

We do, of course, respect the obligations set out in Article 19, and we therefore recently entered into negotiations with the EU on a new agreement on Article 19. These negotiations have been complicated, and it will therefore be some time before we can conclude the process.

Cooperation with the EU on research is a key element of our EEA-related work under the EU framework programmes. The Government recently presented a new white paper on research, in which the global challenges we are seeing in the fields of health, climate and energy are key topics. These are challenges that cannot be met without extensive international cooperation. For us this means mainly cooperation with our European partners.

 

Mr President,

Since the EEA Agreement entered into force 15 years ago, Norway has contributed to reducing social and economic disparities in the EEA area. We are under no legal obligation to do so, but we wish to help to create a secure Europe based on solidarity. This is also important now, at a time when many fear that the global economic crisis will reverse the progress that has been made – 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is in our own interests, as well as in the interests of all Europeans.

The current EEA financial mechanisms expired on 30 April. We are now in the final stages of negotiations on new contributions for the period 2009–2014. The negotiations have dealt with the size of future contributions, which countries are to be eligible, what purposes the funds can be used for, and how they are to be administered. Our position is that a considerable share of the funds should be used for environmental and climate measures, support to civil society, research, technological development and innovation, and social dialogue. Norway has proposed earmarking a share for carbon capture and storage. We have also proposed the establishment of a special fund to promote decent working conditions and tripartite cooperation in the new EU member states.

We are still negotiating to find satisfactory wording as regards partnership and further development of our bilateral cooperation with the recipient countries. In keeping with the EU’s own principles of sound management, we have requested to be allowed to participate in defining the goals and profile of the programmes under a new mechanism.

Since the last enlargement of the EEA, the joint contribution of the EEA/EFTA countries has been EUR 293.4 million per year. The Commission has demanded a considerable increase in this amount. We have maintained that the current contribution is substantial and generous. In our view, our financial contributions must also be seen in connection with a satisfactory result of the parallel discussions on market access for fish.

The new EU countries have now gained experience both of EU financing and of EEA funding. These countries are involved in the work of the EU. This is positive, but it also makes the negotiations more complicated.

It is essential that the solution arrived at in the negotiations involves a total package that is acceptable to all parties. The Government will keep the bodies of the Storting informed of the progress of this work on an ongoing basis.

 

Mr President,

The action plan contained in Report No. 23 (2005–2006) to the Storting, which was presented to the Storting in June 2006, set out more detailed goals for how the Government intends to proactively safeguard Norway’s interests vis-à-vis the EU.

This white paper is the Government’s and the public administration’s policy document for work on EU/EEA-related matters. The goals set out in the white paper have been followed up systematically by means of a specific plan comprising a total of 96 measures. Virtually all of these measures either have been or are currently being implemented. In this connection I would particularly like to underscore the improved communication with the Storting, both in the plenary sessions and in the Government’s European policy group. Other particularly important measures include coordination in various fields, the review of our bilateral cooperation, closer contact with EU institutions and the evaluation of the experience of seconding Norwegian national experts to the European Commission.

The European Portal on the Government’s website was updated and improved during the autumn of 2008. The EEA database was also launched last autumn. For 2009, NOK 5.3 million has been allocated for measures to disseminate information on European cooperation. The aim is to enhance the level of knowledge about Europe in Norwegian society, stimulate informed debate, and encourage network building in Europe. The Government attaches importance to distributing the funds between different interest groups, themes and geographic areas. We receive applications for more than NOK 20 million – so there is plenty of interest.

In order to ensure that clear priorities are set, focus is maintained and coordination is improved, work programmes for the EEA, foreign and security policy, and justice and home affairs are developed annually. Each ministry is to develop its own strategic plan for its EU-related work. So far, 14 such plans have been finalised and published. A new, comprehensive guide to our relations with the EU and the EEA was published in January 2009. It provides an updated and informative introduction to Norway’s dealings with the EU.

Matters that are particularly important for safeguarding Norwegian interests and values must be submitted to the right bodies at the right time. In this connection we have noted that the European Parliament is gaining increasing influence on the development of EU policy. Its authority will be further increased if the Lisbon Treaty enters into force. In their efforts to promote Norwegian interests vis-à-vis the EU, all the relevant Norwegian authorities must contribute. As regards the European Parliament, not only the Government, but also the Storting and the political parties can play important roles.

The Government would welcome increased transparency and broad dialogue on European issues in Norwegian society. It is important that public bodies at various levels and all sectors of society engage in European policy issues. Every year we organise a number of meetings of the National Forum on Europe, involving participants such as NGOs, research institutions, the social partners, and regional and local authorities.  Last year the annual Conference on Europe was attended by nearly 600 people. This year’s conference, which will be held later this month, should also attract widespread interest.

 

Mr President,

In its recent white paper on the main features of Norwegian foreign policy (Report No.15 (2008–2009) to the Storting), the Government points out that Norway is closely interwoven with Europe. Our close ties with other European countries and the EU are a recurrent theme throughout the white paper. Policy areas that used to be dealt with at national level have now been Europeanised, and policies and legislation are increasingly frequently developed in a European framework. This is having a significant impact on the development of Norwegian policy and legislation. Although the current economic crisis poses a challenge to EU countries and institutions, it does not make European cooperation any less important.

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