‘The Brexit agreement is good news for the UK, the EU and Norway’

‘I would like to congratulate the UK and the EU on reaching an agreement on their future relationship. This is good news for the UK, the EU and Norway. An agreement will provide greater predictability for everyone, including Norway,’ said Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

The agreement must now be formally processed for approval in the UK and the EU. Norway has temporary and permanent schemes in place in a number of different areas, and is well equipped to deal with a new situation that will also have implications for Norwegian businesses and citizens.

‘Throughout this process, our goal has been to preserve as much as possible of the excellent collaboration and conditions we currently enjoy in our cooperation with the UK. I believe we have largely achieved this. But regardless of the foundation we have laid, we must expect more challenges in some areas once the UK is no longer part of the internal market and the other arrangements that underpin much of the cooperation between Norway and the UK today,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.

Norway is prepared for the transition on 1 January, and will continue to work towards a free trade agreement with the UK.

‘The temporary agreement on trade in goods ensuring there will be no new tariffs on industrial goods after the turn of the  year is a key part of Norway’s preparations. At the same time we will continue our efforts to conclude a free trade agreement that can enter into force as quickly as possible,’ said Minister of Trade and Industry Iselin Nybø.