Trond Giske in Brussels

Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske fears that governmental emergency plans may destroy the free competition in the shipbuilding industry. Today, he discussed the issue with Nelia Kroes who is responsible for competition policy in the European Commission.

- I fear a trend in which some large EU countries are pushing for regulations to support their own businesses. We have witnessed that some countries may be about to develop schemes that provide special advantages to their own shipping companies and shipyards. This could weaken the overall competitiveness of the industry in Europe, Giske said.

Kroes said at the meeting she was pleased that Norway has a clear position on the issue of protectionism in the EU and invited the minister to report on concrete examples.

- I felt that Kroes fully shared my view. I had also conveyed that I hope the new Commission will have the same clear attitude that Kroes had, Giske said.

The Norwegian minister’s program also included lunch with representatives of the Brussels offices of LO, NHO, Orkla and Statoil, a meeting with General Reinhard Lüken in CESA and a briefing on relevant issues concerning the Norwegian EU delegation.

- I want to tie tight relationships with various offices and organizations in Brussels. It is no coincidence that my first trip abroad was to Brussels, Giske said.