Switzerland, Norway and Iceland REFUSE to join the EU. Why?
TLDRThe video script discusses why Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, despite their close ties to Europe, have chosen not to join the European Union (EU). It outlines each country's unique reasons, such as Norway's emphasis on maintaining control over its fisheries and Switzerland's commitment to direct democracy and neutrality. All three countries are part of the Schengen Area and have various agreements with the EU, including membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) for Iceland and Norway, and bilateral agreements for Switzerland. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) also plays a role in their economic integration with Europe. The video concludes that none of these countries are likely to join the EU soon, as they already enjoy close relations and participate in many of its agreements, contributing to the European project without full membership.
Takeaways
- 🌍 The European Union (EU) is not synonymous with Europe; it has 27 member states, while some European countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland are not part of it.
- 🏰 Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland have unique reasons for not joining the EU, including concerns over national sovereignty, economic autonomy, and specific sectors like fisheries.
- 🐟 Norway has twice voted against joining the EU, largely due to the desire to maintain control over its fisheries and natural resources like oil and gas.
- ❄️ Iceland's application to join the EU in 2009 was stalled due to a change in government and concerns over its fishing industry and national sovereignty.
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland has shown limited interest in joining the EU, with only 3% considering it a possibility in 2018, valuing its neutrality and direct democracy.
- 🗳️ Both Norway and Iceland are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), which allows them to participate in the single market without full EU membership.
- 🤝 Switzerland has a series of bilateral agreements with the EU, granting it access to parts of the single market while preserving its autonomy.
- 🇪🇺 All three countries are part of the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel, but not automatically the right to work.
- 💼 The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes these three countries, promotes free trade and economic integration among its members and with the EU.
- 🤔 It is unlikely that any of these three countries will join the EU soon, as they already have close relations and contribute to the European project in their own ways.
- 📊 Public opinion in Switzerland is particularly against joining the EU, and while Iceland might be the most likely of the three to consider joining, there is no strong current reason for them to do so.
Q & A
What is the European Union (EU) and why might some people mistakenly think of it as synonymous with Europe?
-The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries. Some people might mistakenly think of it as synonymous with Europe because the EU is a significant part of the continent and shares a common identity with many European nations. However, not all European countries are members of the EU.
Why did Norway decide not to join the EU after its two referendums?
-Norway decided not to join the EU due to concerns over maintaining control of its fisheries sector, which is vital to its economy. Additionally, there were economic concerns regarding its natural resources, particularly oil and gas, and a desire to preserve national sovereignty.
What is the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and why is it a concern for Norway and Iceland?
-The Common Fisheries Policy is an EU policy that allows member countries to fish in each other's waters with strict rules for sustainable management. It is a concern for Norway and Iceland because joining the EU would require them to comply with the CFP, potentially disrupting their current management practices and impacting their fishing industries.
Why did Iceland's application to join the EU stall after 2013?
-Iceland's application to join the EU stalled due to a change in government and a shift in the country's direction regarding EU accession. Concerns about the impact of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy on its vital fishing industry, national sovereignty, and the potential effects on its agricultural sector and currency also contributed to the hesitation.
What are the reasons behind Switzerland's reluctance to join the EU?
-Switzerland's reluctance to join the EU stems from its commitment to neutrality, its unique political and economic circumstances, and a preference for direct democracy. The Swiss value their financial autonomy and are concerned about the potential impact of EU regulations on their global banking and financial sector.
How do the three countries maintain close ties with the EU without being full members?
-All three countries are part of the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel. Iceland and Norway are members of the European Economic Area (EEA), participating in the single market, while Switzerland has a series of bilateral agreements with the EU. They are also members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which promotes free trade and economic integration.
What is the European Economic Area (EEA) and how does it relate to Iceland and Norway's relationship with the EU?
-The European Economic Area is an agreement that allows its members, including Iceland and Norway, to participate in the EU's single market. This means they can contribute to the EU budget, adopt certain EU laws, and are exempt from some EU policies, like fishing, without having direct representation in the European Parliament.
What is the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and which of the three countries are members?
-The European Free Trade Association is an organization that promotes free trade among its members and with other countries. It was founded as an alternative to the European Economic Community. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are the current members, and they all have close cooperation with the EU.
Which of the three countries is most likely to join the EU in the future?
-While no country is likely to join the EU soon, Iceland might be the most likely of the three. It is already part of the EEA and has close ties to the EU. The economic stability offered by the EU and recent geopolitical events have made some Icelanders look more favorably upon EU membership.
What are some of the benefits that the three countries enjoy from their current agreements with the EU?
-The countries enjoy economic collaboration, participation in the single market, and the ability to contribute to the European project without full membership. They also maintain their autonomy over sectors like fisheries and finance, and they avoid certain EU policies that may not align with their national interests.
What is the general public opinion in Switzerland regarding joining the EU?
-The general public opinion in Switzerland is not in favor of joining the EU. A survey in 2018 found that only 3% of the Swiss considered joining the EU a possibility, reflecting a strong commitment to neutrality and a preference for the country's unique political and economic systems.
What are the Schengen Area and its implications for the three countries' citizens?
-The Schengen Area is a zone comprising most EU countries and a few non-EU countries where passport controls have been abolished at their mutual borders. For the citizens of the three countries, being part of the Schengen Area facilitates passport-free travel, although it does not automatically grant the right to work, which may require additional permissions.
Outlines
🌍 EU Membership of Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland
This paragraph discusses why Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland are not part of the European Union despite their close ties to Europe. It provides geographical context for each country and outlines their individual relationships with the EU. Norway has held referendums on EU membership, voting against it on two occasions due to concerns over fisheries policy and national sovereignty. Iceland applied for EU membership following the 2009 financial crisis but later stalled its accession process, with similar concerns over fisheries and national sovereignty. Switzerland has shown little interest in joining the EU, preferring to maintain its neutrality and direct democracy, and has secured many benefits of the single market through bilateral agreements.
🤝 Current EU Agreements and Future Prospects
While not EU members, these countries have established various forms of cooperation with the EU. All three are part of the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel. Iceland and Norway are members of the European Economic Area (EEA), which involves participation in the single market, contributing to the EU budget, and adopting some EU laws. Switzerland has a more distinct relationship, with access to parts of the single market through bilateral agreements. All three, along with Liechtenstein, are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which promotes free trade and economic integration. The paragraph concludes by speculating that none of these countries are likely to join the EU soon, with Switzerland being the least likely due to its strong commitment to neutrality.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡European Union (EU)
💡Schengen Area
💡European Economic Area (EEA)
💡Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)
💡National Sovereignty
💡Direct Democracy
💡Bilateral Agreements
💡European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
💡Neutrality
💡Global Banking and Financial Hub
💡Total Allowable Catches (TAC)
Highlights
Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland are not part of the European Union despite their close ties to Europe.
Norway's geographical location, bordering two EU members, makes its relationship with the EU significant.
Norway's attempts to join the EU were hindered by its dependence on UK membership and subsequent referendums.
Norway's concerns about EU membership include issues related to fisheries, natural resources, and national sovereignty.
Iceland's application to join the EU was influenced by the financial crisis but stalled due to concerns about fishing industry and sovereignty.
Switzerland's reluctance to join the EU stems from its unique political and economic circumstances, including direct democracy and financial autonomy.
All three countries are part of the Schengen Area, allowing passport-free travel across borders.
Iceland and Norway are members of the European Economic Area (EEA), granting them access to the single market but also subjecting them to certain EU regulations.
Switzerland accesses parts of the single market through bilateral agreements with the EU.
Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), promoting free trade and cooperation with the EU.
There is low public support in Switzerland for joining the EU, driven by a strong commitment to neutrality and direct democracy.
Iceland is considered the most likely of the three to join the EU due to its close ties and previous economic instability.
Currently, there is no compelling reason for any of the three countries to join the EU, as they already have strong relations and participate in EU agreements.
The European Union's priorities are focused elsewhere, and the three countries remain strong allies.
The transcript encourages discussion on whether these countries should join the EU or maintain their current status.
Transcripts
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