Norway's Deal With The European Union: Explaining EFTA & EEA - TLDR News

With the UK and EE struggling to reach any kind of deal we thought it would be good to consider a number of other deals and attempted deals. Despite having a close relationship Norway isn't in the EU and in this video we explain how their relationship works; as well as the EEA and EFTA
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1 - www.efta.int/About-EFTA/EFTA-...
2 - www.norway.no/en/missions/eu/...
3 - www.norway.no/en/missions/eu/...
4 - www.norway.no/en/missions/eu/...
5 - www.europarl.europa.eu/factsh...
6 - www.europarl.europa.eu/factsh...
7 - www.efta.int/eea/eea-agreement
8 - www.itv.com/news/2018-12-08/w...
9 - www.ft.com/content/17e3993c-f...
10 - ukandeu.ac.uk/the-awkward-tru...
11 - www.efta.int/media/publicatio...
12 - fullfact.org/europe/brexit-tr...
13 - ukandeu.ac.uk/fact-figures/is...
14 - www.instituteforgovernment.or...
15 - fullfact.org/europe/brexit-tr...
16 - www.instituteforgovernment.or...
17 - fullfact.org/europe/brexit-tr...
18 - www.regjeringen.no/globalasse...

[@ChilapaOfTheAmazons]

Ironically *Norway is already more integrated in the EU than the UK ever was* because Norway is part of the Schengen Area so they can freely travel and work in Europe with open borders, while British citizens had to show their papers to the border police every time they wanted to travel to other EU member states.

[@williamfinn179]

thats not what the schengen area means. Switzerland is in Schengen but you can't freely work in there you can just travel freely through it. But yes Norway is in the Single Market, which the UK also was.

[@hurri7720]

One should point out that Norway pays into the EU budget for their privileges accessing the single market and takes part in many EU projects. One should also point out that when Norway is a "rule taker" all it means is that they trust the EU countries to be reasonable and intelligent, in short they are not hampered with an English type exceptionalism. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway-European_Union_relations

[@666Tomato666]

I mean, EU was quite sensible in its laws (with most counter-examples, like the "bendy bananas" created by tabloid journalism), but it's not a given, not with people like Orban and Kaczynski gaining power, and others like Le Pen rearing their ugly heads

[@elguapo1507]

@@666Tomato666 EC Regulation 2257/94 was a genuine EC Regulation. You state it was regarding "bendy bananas" however that's not quite right. It was made to ensure conformance throughout the EU ensuring that bananas must be "free from malformation or abnormal curvature". Not the imagination of journalists at all but a genuine bona fide piece of European legislation.

[@666Tomato666]

@@elguapo1507 yes, and that regulation hasn't changed previous rules one bit, only codified existing ones so what exactly is your point?

[@elguapo1507]

@@666Tomato666 Actually that's exactly what a regulation does. EU law also follows a doctrine of implied repeal so any previous regulations or directives that regulated such a matter would have been affected. My "point" is that the regulation is often made out to be some kind of figment of people's imagination, made up to suit a certain narrative in order that it can be simply laughed off as a mad belief. Many laws make sense when you understand their premise and to me this law, whilst having an intent, had far too many unintended consequences.

[@victorcapel2755]

It's even more worth to point out that not only does Norway pays into the EU budget, they are the third or forth largest net contributer to it. Without any say over the money.

[@null090909]

Norway is also in the Schengen area.

[@SirBlade666]

Once you have free movement of goods and people Schengen just becomes a logical extra. They can stop putting border guards at the Swedish and Finnish border and focus the effort at the Russian border and international airports/harbors. And since your neighbors can do the same the total savings are doubled.

[@jubmelahtes]

@@SirBlade666 except we didn't have border control in the Nordics before schengen. The Nordic countries are already some of the most integrated countries in the world. Our rights as citizens of one nordic country in another far surpass the rights of EU citizens. Its also far easier for us to gain citizenship in the other countries if we want. Read up on the Nordic cooperation!

[@piotrwojdelko1150]

but the UK is not in Schengen in Norway EU citizen needs id card and for the UK you must bring more complicated for citizens passport,It has changed that you can trespass border with the id card you will be not able to exist in the UK without a passport .ID card is a very nice thing for the EU citizens.English don't understand this you need to bring passport to take a loan or have a work.

[@dirkdeschepper735]

@@jubmelahtes Much of that might be gone now, after Sweden blew its coronavirus response. People might realise the value of minimal levels of cooperation continuing without causing political issues.

[@vitas75]

@@dirkdeschepper735 meh. People love schengen, virus or not. I do not see the borders coming back permanently, once the virus settles down, we'll be back to the same old. Lets not forget, people are mostly impacted by quarantines, and not the coronavirus itself.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

Norway is way more integrated in the EU than the UK Brexiteers would like: Four freedoms, Schengen, binding legal procedures etc. We’re de facto EU members, except for some important aspects regarding fisheries and agriculture. An of course, with no voting or real negotiating rights and a very steep fee. Nevertheless, this kind of gray, pragmatic system works, most of the time quite well. Just the thought of inviting the unpredictable mr Johnson et al to this fragile community of small nations makes even the Norwegian conservatives shiver. In short: the UK is not very welcome to join us at the moment.

[@tessjuel]

A Norwegian minister made this very clear even as early as 2016. When asked by the BBC whether the UK could rejoin EFTA, her answer was a clear no and she explained. "You have a bit of a reputation you know". Now, keep in mind that this was from a cabinet minister in a conservative government, from a sister party of the Tories, in a nation that has always been one of England's closest friends with very strong cultural and economic ties to the UK and also a nation who have themselves decided not to join the EU. Also, this was shortly after the referendum, before the Brexit mess had really started, before Johnson became a significant person, even before May announced her red lines. I think everybody who are interested in the future prospects of the UK should think about this. This was the most positive _honest_ respons the UK could get anywhere in the world back in 2016. Their reputation is far worse now.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

@@tessjuel Yes, here from 2019: www.europabevegelsen.no/heidi-nordby-lunde-joining-efta-wouldnt-solve-any-of-the-uks-brexit-problems/

[@zackamor8043]

I mean you have heard the dude. In my ears and eyes i agree. If UK would join you guys, they would become the boss because they are with much more population, have much bigger market and is simply to economic powerful. You don't want that kind of powerful state with you if you don't have one to counter it. This is why we have France versus Germany. It may seem not healthy, but it keeps the other member states sharp

[@tessjuel]

@@janhanchenmichelsen2627 That's not the one I was thinking of but thanks for the link anyway! It says more or less the same only with much more details.

[@tessjuel]

@troll oracle Yes, oil, gas and fish were major reasons why we decided not to join EU. Agriculture too. The farmers in most EU countries work under fairly similar climatic conditions so they have fairly similar interests. Norwegian farmers have to face a subarctic climate and that means they need solutions that are a little bit different. There was a lot of screaming and shouting about that back in 1994 but I do believe that at the end of the day everybody who really thought things through, regardless of which side they ended up on, understood how difficult it would have been to come up with a set of rules for agricultural policy that worked well for the majority of European farmers and still took into account the special needs for the small number of subarctic ones. Of course, EU had to come up with a solution there anyway since Sweden and Finland chose to join but we didn't know that until it was too late.

[@pouyavakil6645]

Swiss relationship with EU and how it is compared to Norway.

[@DarkHarlequin]

This dynamic is indeed interesting!

[@trillionbones89]

Isn't it pretty much the same, except for the fishing policy?

[@zackamor8043]

@@trillionbones89 Maybe they have fish from their rives and small lakes :D

[@Janoip]

@@zackamor8043 Fun Fact: Switzerland even has a navy

[@beepboopbeepp]

@@Janoip Good, that the north korean regime keep track of dangerous western enemies.

[@bocbinsgames6745]

4:10 you can tell TLDR use mac

[@BogdanMariusCalapod]

You can also tell from all the windows having buttons on the wrong side. Only bad thing I can tell about tldr though 🤷‍♂️

[@popelgruner595]

Unlike the UK the EU was always transparent on 'what it really wants' (00:22). That is written down and open for the public to read.

[@lvoldum]

@Popel Grüner The best example was the Withdrawal agreement text: when Boris Johnson and Junker shook hands in Bruxelles, the whole agreement was transparently published on the Commission website. Boris Johnson refused to show the text to UK MPs for days...

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@lvoldum I remember around that time where the EU wanted all the talks done in the open whereas the UK government didn't and after seeing what we've seen over the last few years, you can understand why the UK didn't want it being public because it looks bad on them.

[@lvoldum]

@Paul Aiello Yes, and still, the EU is transparent. After each round, Michel Barnier issues a statement pointing to the stumble blocks to be transparently read.

[@0xCAFEF00D]

The EU is transparent in some ways but not at all in many other ways. Take any issue you have on the country government level and look at what's been said. Presumably that's pretty easy, as it is here (Sweden). I can find each step in the legislative process, every debate, voting results, usually there's video along with the transcripts. Do the same for the EU and you'll get next to nothing. This is by design but I think it's seriously hurting the credibility of the EU. Some member states don't want open government. Trilogues is the first issue to focus on imo. Lobbyists get access to them but not the public. That's really bad. It's a strong argument against the EU being properly democratic. It's surprising to me that what you hear from the UK eurosceptics is about the existence of civil servants, that's the UK shares, and not Trilogues. Even if it'll all be open before it's in legislation and requires broad support among member states to go through. It disrupts the news cycle so media can't effectively cover it. Which means people won't be properly informed before laws are passed. When was the last time you recall your media actually covering an EU law being passed AND discussing the problems and implications before it was finalized for a vote? I can't. Arguably the directive on copyright in the digital single market was one such case. But that had an absolutely massive media response because people objected to the draft and the large social media platforms got involved with opposition. Things aren't as good as they could be.

[@jannetteberends8730]

MrSnowman as far as I know all laws had to pass the European Parliament. And before that happens they are published. It’s more or less the same as on country level. The making of the law is not a proces that’s in the public. But before parliament takes decisions about it, it’s published. I read regularly in my newspaper about EU laws before they go to parliament.

[@fenular2671]

Thank you for the video. I don't think EEA is politically possible for the UK. Besides the fact that the current UK goverment has proven not to be a trustworthy partner and would not be allowed to join, it would mean a slap in the face of all Brexit supporters. The UK is currently trapped between a rock and a hard place of it's own making.

[@Mark-cu4lz]

It shouldn't matter if it is politically possible, it was literally what was promoted. If they can't deliver it, brexit should have been voided. Also, who cares about brexit supporters?, they have proved they know nothing at all.

[@Robbiewa-bg4lu]

I am a Brexit supporter. It would be impossible now for the U.K. to have a Norway style relationship. If we were to have had a Norway style deal,we would have had to have as soon as we voted to leave apply for a Norway style deal,for an indefinite period of time of up to 5 years from the moment we left the EU as per Article 50.And Article 50 should have been invoked earlier say Jan 2017.And had that have been done Parliament could have worked out what future deal we would have had with the EU,and yes maybe put any deal with the EU(obviously not rejoining)to the people. But like I say we cannot do that now as that ship has sailed. And I myself now would not want a Norway style deal with the EU.

[@kennethstople3969]

As a Norwegian, thanks for bringing this up. However I still believe we should be a member simply because we de facto do as the EU says, have many of the same rights and duties, while not having a say in how things are run. I would like to have a say.

[@kennethstople3969]

@@worldpeace1822 Yes, its less but we are still paying. For some thats a no-go that we pay and have no influence. Right now its feel like having no cake while others eat it.

[@randuru]

On the other hand it may be better over all paying a bit more but have a say in return (see Germany or the Netherlands for example). And strengthening the whole club with the own membership while profiteering from its grown strength simultaneously.

[@worldpeace1822]

Kenneth Stople And let’s not forget that Norway pullouts it’s beaches and rivers with sick salmon farms products..... this might not work so frictionless as member of the EU anymore. Hence joining might not be in interest of Norway’s economy....

[@mastergs32]

I pretty much share your opinion. Norway should definitely join the EU.

[@kennethstople3969]

@@worldpeace1822 Sick salmon is due to introduction of foreign fish species into our native waters. Thats something we are working with, and regulations are still put upon us to ensure healthy food is sent abroad. Whether or not this is economically good for certain interest groups or politicans is a different topic alltogheter. You cant please everyone, but its more important to please the majority and future generations. @Ran Duru As I am saying, I would like to see Norway inside with a say, than outside with no say and still paying.

[@baldurelitraustason662]

I would love to see you explain Iceland's relationship with the EU

[@foorack]

It's the same. Both EEA, both EFTA, both Schengen.

[@KevTheImpaler]

Especially with regards to fish.

[@fds-lg6gm]

Iceland is in EU I think

[@foorack]

@@fds-lg6gm No it is not. It is in the EEA, exactly like Norway.

[@TheSkyShaft]

Its worth noting that Norway also pays the EU roughly 800 million euros a year

[@danielwebb8402]

Which if you scale for population becomes about 10bn. Not dissimilar to the UK's net figure.

[@brambakker1939]

Eu members pay 1% of gdp!!

[@danielwebb8402]

@@brambakker1939 Gross. Norway doesn't receive back EU spending like members do (rightly). (And to increase to 2%....)

[@brambakker1939]

@@danielwebb8402 So norway pays more??

[@marcmarc8524]

daniel webb. You can’t receive any euro when you’re not a EU member. But you pay to have access to the EU market. Logical.

[@santiagovalencia7709]

Norway = No way (for the UK) Why? You said it "Norway is what's called a rule taker". Well, that doesn't seem to fit much with "Taking back control", does it?

[@fcole90]

Thanks for your great videos! I think you could improve them by using some background music: that would make them much more involving. It seems a very minor thing, but I think it can really be the cherry on the cake for your videos.

[@KhaalixD]

Great video!

[@biocapsule7311]

There will be no success in Brexit negotiation in anyway UK wants and cannot be compare to other negotiation, because other negotiation are actual trade negotiations. Brexit negotiation is just EU talking actual trade aspect while UK keep regurgitating rhetoric devoid of sense, clueless as to how anything works. They aren't just not on the same page, they are reading different books.

[@arip172]

Ideology versus pragmatism

[@guss77]

I think the problem with Brexit negotiations is that the UK negotiators don't actually want an agreement - they are only negotiating to save face at home and their actual goal is to have no deal while blaming as much of that as they can in the EU.

[@popelgruner595]

@@arip172 True with the UK being highly ideologized and the EU being highly pragmatic.

[@danielwebb8402]

The UK are happy with copying and pasting the Canada deal.

[@p.c.k.m.h690]

@@popelgruner595 the EU is pragmatic? I think you mean tyrannic(fun fact, tyrannic outocorrects in Titanic(nod wrong either))

[@TajiriOli]

I just wanted to thank you to give sources to everything you say! Better then most real news

[@lucimicle5657]

Nice video. It would be even nicer to see some sort of case study vid for each country in the EU and those who want to join.

[@varkentje1987]

Luci Micle excellent idea! I hope TL:DR does one sometime soon. Have a great day

[@fredmidtgaard5487]

It is a good deal for Norway, but not for the UK. For Norway, free export and sovereignty of natural resources such as fish, oil, timber, electric energy, aluminum, and produce such as high tech products are important. Norway is huge compared to the EU on fish and oil, as well as marine trade. The Norwegian trade fleet is about twice the size of that of the UK. The size of the fisheries and fish farming is very many times larger than that of the UK. But Norway is tiny on Yorkshire pudding and silk ties. We also don't produce cars and airplanes. But then of course, so doesn't the UK really. They assemble parts from abroad, which will be very clear on January 21.

[@tresvecesno7071]

Thanks!

[@CCRLH85]

I don't see any of these agreements that include the "four freedoms" as a possibility for the UK given the _stated_ reasons for why they left the EU in the first place. As an outsider, (I'm American) the best deal for the UK would be a Canada-style deal if it weren't for that _pesky_ land border with the Republic of Ireland. Unfortunately, given that border, I don't see a good way to solve all the problems that the Leavers wanted to be fixed by leaving the EU without causing a ton of issues with Ireland. It almost feels like the people running the Leave campaign were like a dog chasing a car. Now that they've caught it, nobody really knows what to do with it.

[@garrybye4415]

Agreed. We in the UK have managed to set out red lines that make any sort of agreement impossible.

[@Paul_C]

Which is why the UK still hasn't told the EU what it wants. The only thing they tell is what they DON'T want. Doesn't help with negotiating a future 'partner'.

[@flucazade]

"a dog chasing a car" oh no they weren't that smart

[@flucazade]

@@Paul_C they want everything they had minus freedom of movement. That is essentially what all these liars were advocating. The UK is fecked and hopefully Scotland will be able to abandon this sinking ship really soon

[@RoadRashSpirit]

@@flucazade you no the snp should move south of the border, I'd really like a real labour party again that actually gives a damn about the people it represents. I'd vote for Sturgeon, can't say the same for Boris or Starmer.

[@goodlookingcorpse]

I think it's possible that the UK might end up with an EFTA-like relationship with the EU, but step-by-step, with the government never openly saying that Brexit was a mistake. That might be the best achievable end.

[@jannetteberends8730]

No, that’s what he explained. The EFTA members are all small countries. The volume of their trade is small compared to the total trade in the EU. When they cheat with the origin rules it’s not a big problem. That is different for the UK. The EU already said that a Norwegian like deal is out of the question.

[@stevelance6252]

@@jannetteberends8730 There's no suggestion that it could be done all at once, or that the end result would be formal membership of EFTA, but the pressure to arrive at a roughly equivalent status might very well be irresistible. It would in any case have to happen in tiny steps out of respect for the feelings of ultra nationalist leavers.

[@lifelovelifewithrights5634]

UK and the mainland is EUropa! The question is, can you keep Europe viable without the US, China and Russia? I think Europe is wonderful, we just have to realize that we could be great together!

[@hood_avatar380]

idk probably

[@danielsteinberg7416]

It'd be nice to look at the Swiss model, thank you for your job :)

[@gsaem]

The Swiss were a part of negotiating the EEA treaty in the nineties but the the same region as gave women the vote in the seventies rejected the treaty so they established the relationship they have now. Essentially built on the same principles.

[@idraote]

Interesting video, but please, the lengthy calls for subscribing, clicking notifications and becoming patreons both at the beginning and at the end are quite annoying. Please consider cutting them very short. We all know the drill right now, there's no need to hammer it down again and again (and again).

[@yahyayhay8672]

+ for the explanation / - for the Mac > Windows shortcuts

[@charlesgoldsmith6388]

I understand now thanks

[@cazzi1929]

I think it would be wise for an Independent Scotland to apply to the EEA (and hopefully be accepted) before it joins the EU completely.

[@rollosinternet1853]

I think Scotland will find a lot of friends outside the UK.

[@andriandrason1318]

Would be cool to see Scotland in the Nordic Council as well as EFTA .

[@JesusRodriguez-fi3ci]

In a globalized world as the one we currently live in, economic and political integration is the only viable option for Europe. Specially with superpowers as the US and China increasingly extending their influence over the world.

[@paul1979uk2000]

True, some might not like it but what are the alternatives with an aggressive US and China around, basically, European countries are going to have to integrate more to protect their political, economic and social interest, otherwise they will get sidelined, we are seeing early signs of this with a Brexit UK, look how much tougher some countries are getting with the UK now like the US, India, China, Japan and Russia.

[@vitas75]

@@paul1979uk2000 China is dying bro. If I were you, I wouldnt worry about china much.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@vitas75 If you say so but then people thought its economic growth would slow down decades ago and look how wrong they got that lol. At the end of the day, China isn't going anywhere and will likely get bigger, that is part of the reason why the hawks in Washington are so worried about them, they see them as a major threat to US power around the world, the more noise the US does on this, the more they see China as a threat. Beside, I am not worried about China, I'm European and even I can see they do a lot wrong but I'm not going to bull shit myself with how the real world is, I leave that for the Americans and Brits. Personally, the EU's best move is to play neutral in all this and stay out of it, let the US and China have their Cold War and drag down the likes of the UK and Australia with them if that's what they want, but most countries are not stupid enough to get on the wrong side of China with a market of that size. I'll give you an idea of what China could do, say they ban some US companies from trading in the US like Boeing ? You really think Airbus would say no to China with how many hundreds of billions they could make?, China can play all these games in so many areas with so many countries, this is why the EU, Germany, France and Italy want to prioritize trade with China, they see as the US gets pushed out, there is a massive opening to take a lot of that trade away from them, if the Europeans are thinking that, you can bet a lot of the world is thinking that as well. The simple truth is, China is moving away from a manufacturing base to a consumer base economy, no country or business is going to want to miss out on that and any that do would likely be at a disadvantage compared to rivals that are in that market, the simple fact is, the market is too big to ignore, this is why the US is finding it hard to get many to go against China. If the west really wants to contain China, the EU and US will have to work together because on their own and with how China is developer, neither the EU or the US will be able to do it on their own, too many of the others are either too scared of them or don't want to harm trade links with them, so it really doesn't matter what the US does, it's not changing China as a country, at least not in the way the US wants.

[@kimandreskogstrand5004]

@@vitas75 How is China dying? Based on all the information I could find it seems they are more active than ever with regards to their economic empire building. And they are using their economic muscles to intentionally divide and conquer Europe. "Bribing" their way into our most economically vulnerable partners with sweet deals(at least short term) and in return gaining noticeable influence over this country's domestic politics, forcing them to use their influence as a member state to work against the EU from the inside. This way it becomes harder for the EU to effectively pass legislative counter measures against China. In my opinion this is by far the biggest threat facing not just the EU, but Europe as a whole right now.

[@Helperbot-2000]

@@vitas75 ill believe it when i see it, dont sell the hide before the bear is shot, and the us is no less an evil troublemaker regardless

[@mohammadameenesafi3815]

4:10 you mean CTRL C - CTRL V?

[@Fabii2000]

You mean STRG C - STRG V? XD

[@forestmanzpedia]

These are key commands for Mac. But you are kinda right.

[@philhinco]

I'd love to see a video on the relationship between the EU and Switzerland, especially with the current tensions regarding the institutional agreement that the two have been in talks about for a few years now (which have kinda been put on the back burner because of Brexit and some reservations by the Swiss Federal Council. Would be interesting to also discuss how Switzerlands more direct form of democracy (referenda and regular votes 4 times a year) , direct democracy, can be a source of tension as well, as was seen by various votes in the past few years (Mass Immigration Vote, the vote regarding the EU's weapon's law, etc). The bilateral agreements between the two would also be interesting, as well as the link between the various parts of each (=trying to quit/exit one causes all to become invalid (guillotine clause)).

[@user-uw3fi2zg4t]

at this point neither uk or eu is interested in a trade deal, i think we need to see a big change in international affairs to see that happening. Too many feelings involved right now.

[@paul1979uk2000]

The EU is interested but the UK seems to want too much as too many bought into the lies that the UK would have all the benefits of EU membership but without any of the rules, that was never going to happen for the UK and that is the main reason the UK keeps throwing tantrums, threatening to walk away but never doing it.

[@ChilapaOfTheAmazons]

The EU has free trade agreements with tons of countries in Asia, Africa, North & South America and almost every country in Europe. Pretty sure they want one with the UK too, but there are rules that the UK must follow to get it. For reference, all the EU trade agreements: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union_free_trade_agreements

[@tessjuel]

It's probably more correct to say that a trade deal with the UK isn't very high on EU's priority list than to say they don't want one at all.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@ChilapaOfTheAmazons It really depends on the deal the UK wants, they keep saying they are fine with no deal but clearly that isn't true because they keep threatening to walk away but never do it and they keep talking and trying to get a deal. A deal will likely happen but it's going to be on the terms the EU sets out, that's what the UK doesn't like, the rest is just waffle and bluster from the UK government.

[@DarkHarlequin]

I would be interested in a video about the relationship between Switzerland & the EU :-)

[@MatsRappe]

Norway has its own import regulations. Sometimes making export to Norway a hassle. Such as the demand for a VOEC number.

[@selcovoilucian8253]

For Norwegian vewers : Would you rather : -Leave the agreement with the EU ? -Join as full member ? -Keep the status quo ?

[@kennethstople3969]

Join as a full member

[@jubmelahtes]

I would rather leave completely and go back to just the trade agreement.

[@bjarnerobstad7107]

Absolutlely - Join.

[@einarbolstad8150]

The "man on the street" is generally happy with things in Norway. There is really no debate about changing anything susbstantial. The status quo will be kept for the foreseeable future.

[@andmos1001]

Keep status quo

[@badmontad]

How long does it take you to edit these videos?

[@oscarpm1962]

How about a video with how explaining now post leave (2023) the clear positives and negatives of joining EFTA & EEA and a potential petition?

[@ArodWinterbornSteed]

4:10 why not just call it copy paste 🤷‍♀️

[@karatheythemharkins2393]

Why are there suddenly 2 adds in front of your video?

[@TempestDK]

I like your videos and find them informative :) ... but I also feel that an 8 minute video is not really long enough to properly explain the topics you bring up. I am not saying that you should have 1½ hour essays on it, but some subjects lend themselves to a bit more in-depth analysis and explanation. You should consider doing a bit more long-form videos on certain topics to get more relevant information in there. I still think people who come to this channel can manage a 12-15 min. video without too much problems.

[@MikaelEriksen]

As a Norwegian law student with specialities in EU law, I honestly think the EEA agrement is very good for our country. With that said I cannot see a single reason why we shouldn't join the EU as a full member country. The only thing holding us back is that it would never pass a referendum, because most of the people don't know what the EEA agreement actually does. People will just vote no because they oppose the idea of supra-national governance. The fact is that we are already governed and have only vetoed one thing (ever), and that was the postal directive which made it possible for private companies to deliver letters. The reservation right was used by the administration of former PM Jens Stoltenberg only to later be retracted by the administration of current PM Erna Solberg. Joining the EU would actually give the EU less control over Norway as we'd have an actual say in it's policies and a judge at the European Court of Justice.

[@sucram1015]

Will a country have to give up its legislative sovereignty?

[@MikaelEriksen]

Marcus Melton Partly, yes. The EU passes a bunch of laws called directives or regulations. When the EU passes a regulation it counts like a national law in all the member countries. It’s called direct effect. It’s illegal to change them, and they don’t need to be incorporated into the national laws. They work directly. EEA countries have to translate them into national law (no direct effect), but they are pretty much just translated and turned into national law as literally as possible. The EU also makes directives. They don’t have direct effect, but the member countries have to pass them into national law. They have some freedoms with directives, so national laws based on directives can vary a bit, but they still need to meet the minimum criteria set by the directives.

[@MikaelEriksen]

If a directive or regulation is unclear it’s interpreted by the European Court of Justice. Their judgments and interpretations are binding in all EU countries. The EFTA countries have the EFTA-court to deal with these issues, but that court just follows the ECJ even if it means breaking its own precedent. The EFTA court also doesn’t have a lot of cases and is jokingly called an exclusive golf club for people law PhD’s.

[@andriandrason1318]

The aim of the EU institutions defined by the Treaty of Lisbon is to replace the national ones in different areas such as economy, politics, education, health, foreign relations, defense, money and finance.

[@sucram1015]

@@andriandrason1318 Then countries have no right to claim their independent when they willingly give their sovereignty of their country and other issues to something like the EU.

[@theamici]

You omitted the fact that Norway has veto right on whether it should implement EU regulations. It can essentially say "not for me". However, we tend to not do that unless there are very good reasons. Protecting our agricultural sector is one of them, as Norway's agricultural sector is not competitive enough to reasonably survive full EU liberalization.

[@MultiFladoodles]

It would be interesting to hear about some of the EU's more limited trade agreements, like its agreement with Mexico

[@jeanmarcgonsalves]

What do the Eastern Partnership Program and Euromed entail?

[@alphamikeomega5728]

6:10 Your discussion of non-tariff barriers has the wrong animation ("EU tariffs zero", from earlier).

[@rag2031]

Can you do video going through all the EU trade agreements

[@astralaris8712]

Hey, im glad there is a Channel covering news in the EU specifically, im kinda sick on all the news beeing about the US or Asian xD

[@Lorem_the_Ipsum]

Waaaaaait. You make these animations in PowerPoint? Those movements look way to similar.

[@manceb]

Could you cover the EU agreements with Switzerland next?

[@garrybye4415]

It’s pretty much the same (as is Iceland). They’re a paying member who abides by all the rules without the right to vote. And it would probably be just as hard to untangle themselves from the EU as UK is fining it

[@manceb]

@@garrybye4415 but CH is not EEA

[@DerTaran]

manceb yes, Therefore we negotiated all the contracts individually, this moved us out of a decade of recession after we voted against the EEA. This fall, the right wing SVP want’s us to vote about stopping the free movement of persons. If this succeeds, the EU will probably cancel all contracts. Like their UK counterpart, the Swiss far right thinks, that Switzerland is economical too important for the EU to do it. Arrogance seams to be a right wing attitude.

[@williamevans7454]

Switzerland could be welcome in canzuk

[@williamevans7454]

Icelandcan do it's own rules don't see y not

[@fransdigitalmediaservices3912]

Can someone explain this better, When we say Free Trade Deal we are not talking about unlimited Quotas? I always understood that Free Trade Deals are Barter type arrangements, and that is why there are Customs declarations so that each side can see if one side is doing better. If one side is selling 100m into a market and the other is only selling 25m then that deal is not working for one of the partners and needs to be renegotiated to include more goods that may balance up the deal. or reduce the number of goods sold to the smaller market. Historically the smaller country would ask for permanent visas for its citizens as a way of balancing a trade deficit. Which explains why every rich country has foreigners living in the larger cities.

[@mastergs32]

What about the trade agreement between EU and Canada?

[@SuperSmashDolls]

Prediction: the UK fails to secure a trade deal and trades purely on WTO terms. This winds up being a huge burden on businesses who start leaving the UK in droves. Boris tries to do an end-run around the WTO's most-favored-nation clause and winds up getting it's tariff schedules rejected multiple times before settling on a zero-tariff regime. The UK is now a dumping ground for excess EU and US goods, their manufacturing sector goes from ailing to nonexistent, and all those workers are denied work visas in the EU countries making those goods.

[@DaDunge]

Norway has some barriers though for an example a few years back they blocked people carrying potatoes form Sweden to Norway. fearing that uncontrolled potato exports from sweden would knock out Norwegian agriculture

[@papi8659]

and garlic - it's a big smuggling item between Sweden and Norway seemingly ....

[@DaDunge]

@@papi8659 That's weird because it's not grown in any great capacity in either country

[@juanchoja]

The UK won't fudge on freedom of Movement and the ruling of the European Court of Justice, which were the major points for Brexiteers. It seems that the UK doesn't want to enjoy freedom of movement, but they don't want it in their land either.

[@danielwebb8402]

Which is an internally consistent position. To not want to give it or take it. Because the public don't see it as "enjoy". They see it as "accept". Don't see it as a human right to go on holiday to France or move to and live in Portugal. Think should need to ask first and get France and Portugal's permission.

[@davidpeters6536]

The UK could never have joined the EEA, but before joining the EEC we were members of EFTA and could have rejoined as part of a "deal" on trade. (Japan next.)

[@onezerooneseven]

I think it's the best sort of Brexit, well other than just remaining. Given the likes of Farage ranted on about how rich and free Norway was outside of the EU, it's probably more inline with what people voted for. Nobody was campaigning for "no deal" before the vote

[@corradomancini3271]

onezerooneseven # Best sort of Brexit for whom? Campaigning for No Deal would have been absurd, however the way the U.K. side was treated by the EU side earlier in the negotiations and the continuous discourse of punishment for the temerity of the U.K. to democratically vote to leave, means one thing and one thing only; NO DEAL.

[@onezerooneseven]

@@corradomancini3271 Well I take issue with your view that we "democratically voted to leave" - given all the lies, misinformation, illegal campaign spending, and the unclear definition of what Leave meant, and even then they only got a narrow "win", which actually works out at 37% of the electorate voted for some sort of Leave. You might think it is fine for the Leave campaign to promise easy trade deals and rant on how well Norway does outside of the EU, and believe that a chunk of the electorate were not influenced by the lies, and will be happy with "no deal" - even though no one campaigned for it. Not sure how anyone can describe that as democratic though, it sounds like the complete opposite to me. Details matter to most people, and if we had a true democracy we would ask the people if they are happy to leave the EU with "no deal".

[@onezerooneseven]

@@corradomancini3271 And I agree "Campaigning for No Deal would have been absurd", but that's what an advisory referendum is supposed to do - give the people clear information on what they are voting for so they can give their informed view of what they want. They would have never "won" if they had a single definition of Brexit and campaigned honestly. The fact you think it's absurd for them to have campaigned for "no deal" - just shows that the result simply can't be trusted.

[@corradomancini3271]

@Frank Sennholz Well, if that was the case the U.K. would not have its troops deployed in the Baltic states and Poland to act as a deterrent to Russia. I was born in one of the Eu 27 countries, got dual citizenship, I couldn’t disagree more with you regarding the U.K.

[@corradomancini3271]

@onezerooneseven ; All the alleged illegalities you mentioned were thrown out by the courts. Also there was 2 general elections and an MEP election after the referendum, and all the results indicated that the U.K. electorate voted for the implementation of Brexit.

[@michaelgreen1515]

I want to know about Iceland and their fish!

[@danielpalmer643]

I think this was a very well done explanation. I'd like to know more about international agreements Norway has made. I'm curious about their recent history, but I'm curious about recent world history in general. Norway has drawn my attention lately for ranking highly on lists like GDP per person, life expectancy, and human development. I wonder if someday the EU will consider extending similar benefits to countries in non-European continents? Is there much support or opposition for doing this with the United States, Mexico, Japan, or any other countries? It seems to me that Norway has the benefit of a tense relationship with the USSR, but close cultural affinity with western Europe. Norwegian socialism would be difficult to copy in another country without similarly strong trade agreements. Another reason I wanted to watch this was that I am thinking about the economic consequences of Brexit.

[@harshanchellamal6688]

Swiss relationship to the EU must be considered when talking about EFTA as Swiss economy in itself a medium-sized economy for EU.

[@vilena5308]

Thank you, that was interesting. Personally I would be interested in an overview of the EU (trade) relations with African and Asian countries.

[@uweinhamburg]

That is a super wide theme. A good first starting point is the Wiki list of European FTAs and EPAs en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union_free_trade_agreements and of course the official EU site ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/negotiations-and-agreements/ For the 50 least developed countries in the world (most in Africa and Asia) Europe has a special offer of one-sided zero tariffs to support their exports trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/september/tradoc_154961.pdf

[@vilena5308]

@@uweinhamburg Thank you for the supplementary reading. That's so sweet of you and I see it is very informative indeed. I meant more that, since this seems to be the subject matter the channel is diving into recently, that they should create an overview.

[@uweinhamburg]

@@vilena5308 Thank you for the feedback 👍 There is an interesting channel of a German KZbinr, who has lived in the UK for some time and is posting Brexit related things. In the last weeks he has had several videos about single EU FTAs. I always find new ideas and information in there. Perhaps you will find something as well. kzbin.info

[@vilena5308]

@@uweinhamburg My thanks once again, I'll check it out. The more perspectives the better. :)

[@Fabii2000]

Iceland would be so interesting:)

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

More or less the same deals as Norway. But with far more fish per capita.

[@Fabii2000]

Jan Hanchen Michelsen ok

[@izpodpolja]

Cmd-C+Cmd-V what is this, apple commercial? ;-)

[@robertlam2000]

Talk About Canada on one of your channels

[@Allard8]

I think the attempted EU-US deal would be an interesting one to look at.

[@randuru]

I'm afraid that deal will be off the table for quite a while. We can be lucky if we manage to avoid a full-blown trade war I guess...

[@stannisstewart4879]

they have already

[@mayatanigashira5237]

Norway is also a vital coastal country bordering Russia. The UK is not. Also Norway's economic might is closer to 1/3rd that of the UK. Whilst the true GDP is around 300-400 billion, Norway can, in theory, use its oil funds on anything it wants by changing the law in parliament.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

What is a Freedom of Movement of _Capita_ (sic!)?

[@cockneyse]

International or internal market?? You seem confused

[@TheLetsComment]

4:02 weird flex but alright

[@thierryf67]

IMOA, Norway has a very specific place and relationship wit UE, since a long time. They are better in applying the UE rules than some UE members. And may be, even if they still want to be out, may be due to their recent history, all they do can explain the real confidence and friendship they deserved from the UE members... (it's just my french advice).

[@kjartannn]

Do Iceland and the EU next, just makes sense.

[@andreastagni8358]

It's the very same as Norway, as both countries relationship with the EU is mediated throughout the EEA.

[@hilwaamanamankiyar-pp5bf]

USE

[@stefbaldfish2982]

Norway is a smart country. They have a comfortabel position and there for not under German control. Keep it up, folks!

[@RoadRashSpirit]

From the beginning I thought this is where we would end up. Any option including remaining in the EU is better than a closer relationship with the US. I would love an independent Britain but the reality is bigger nations take advantage of smaller economys. The Norway option should please most people except for those desperately anti Europe and those seriously pro USA. In reality if people had the full facts they probably wouldn't take either stance as its like cutting of a healthy limb. Let's sum it up. Norway can make its own trade deals but for ease it keeps up with eu standards, win win for everyone, Norway has freedom of movement, potential deal breaker until you realise how strict the visa system actually is, if you haven't got a job or earnings above a certain fresh hold after I believe a year or too then its bye bye. So again a win win for both camps. EU Court of justice, given that Ms Began has just managed to get herself back to the UK Post EU I'd say its a non argument. Size of economy, given Europe wants to remain close with the UK for the sake of Ireland and as not to have a major competitor on the door step, never mind the fact that we had Norway membership type before full membership, I think the EU would bend over backwards to get it sorted. Well what about money and rules! Well yes Norway pays some money over and it does have to follow some rules without much say. The reality is the compliance percentage is less than 20%, and they get a final vote on important stuff so they do indeed have the ability to say no if it suits them, compliance is usually for functional stuff. As for the money, we'll if you pay for a gym membership and don't bother showing up after 3 weeks then I'm sure paying our dues for all the science, heritage, environmental and social development projects and funding is a pretty good deal. Ultimately the vote was 51/49 and any rational human being will except that a decent amount of compromise is no bad thing for the good of the country. I was part of the 51.

[@acegarcia3719]

It would be ok if the UK has a swiss style deal. Giving up some power to the EU for the benefit of trade but keep the soverignity needed for a free nation in control of itself.

[@deniseg-hill1730]

Don't they have free movement though

[@andreastagni8358]

The Swiss deal is practically the same as the Norwegian, as they have to abide by the IM rules (including the four freedoms the UK government refuses to grant).

[@Unnamed7964]

The uk wants a wto agreement Lmao

[@user-bl8xf2oi7e]

This is the best option

[@reillygrant2228]

Hey can you guys make an episode about how Switzerland is in the Single Market, but not in the EEA, yet still enjoys all the privileges of an EEA member state. I'm so confused, even after my Comparative European Politics class

[@sonny888100]

Canzuk !!

[@bailisinha6412]

You should continue doing how Brexit affects other countries like you did with USA

[@eivindkaisen6838]

The ‘Norway Solution’ won't fly. Itis based on the Four Freedoms, which the UK Govt. has rejected. Also, it would mean the UK joinng EFTA, but Norway has explicitly (but not officially) said that the UK will noit be allowed to join since it would be aginst Norway's interest (and it has to be a unanimous decision) It would be nice though if you got the Norwegian flag right. The blue is too light (se correct axample at the 6:58 mark), and the proportions are wrong. They should be: Horizontally: (red, white, blue, white red)) 6:1:2:1:12 Vertically:6:1:2:1:6

[@tamasmarcuis4455]

Norway has already stated it would not accept the English as a member at any time. Therefore it's pointless to even bring up possible UK membership. The UK is out of all of these organisations. Not only seen as a bad faith negotiator but basically untrustworthy due to attempts to threaten various smaller EU states. Those states reaction was similar to Malta's though not so loud. The Maltese senior representative at the final meeting had to restrained to prevent him beating the UK representative when he finally understood what the UK rep had said. The English have as the say burned their bridges.

[@hawkeye2644]

Ther are manny in norway that hates the current agreement. And how the governent made IT.

[@topcat8804]

Not many Brexiter comments here. I guess actual information is anathema to them.

[@rucelei4254]

Make a video about the Dutch tax system (and how this makes it the Netherlands a tax heaven for multi nationals)

[@petermillar24]

Didn't Nigel Farage promise that Brexit would just make us like Norway?

[@mweskamppp]

I bet he thought he could stop the membership fee and things and keep all the benefits. Maybe because the UK is so big and important und such.

[@drscopeify]

A few items to note here, Norway is in deep lack of manpower so have no issues with the open borders idea while the UK is simply out of land and by all means overpopulated. The price of housing in the UK is among the most expensive in Europe and in keeping country side preserved and farm land secured has very little room to expand. In fact the UK has resorted to the largest housing projects are on WW2 military bases, hospitals, research facilities and so on, it is that out of land it has to re-purpose land. In addition the UK has the same population size as France but 1/3 the land area and if Scotland breaks away even less maybe 1/5 the size of France with still a similar population, very difficult on the population. Extremes home prices, congestion is not easy to solve on an island nation of all places.

[@Shemhamforaesh]

Do Serbia and EU ? :D and definitely compare it to the deals done with EEA and EFTA countries "AKA: Norway, Liechtenstein, Swiss, Iceland!"

[@Anouargama]

Awesome channel. It is my pleasure to subscribe! Can anyone share great alternatives for youtube EU news channels, with the same production values that TLDR brings to the table?

[@andybray9791]

Duty free amount applies

[@erwinhun]

EFTA & EEA can inspire a deal between the EU and the UK, but it's probably better if they design a completely tailor-made deal considering the size of the UK.

[@popelgruner595]

No British cherry-picking again. We had that one for 40+ years.

[@erwinhun]

@@popelgruner595 Personally I don't care as long as it's a fair deal that protects the integrity of the European market and the four freedoms.

[@spidos1000]

Popel Grüner the cherry picking I see is being done by the eu. They want continued access to uk fishing waters and this “level playing field”. The uk just wants a Canada style deal. Get your head out of your arse.

[@popelgruner595]

@@erwinhun You are way more forgiving than I could ever be. Stick with it.

[@danielmason6505]

Turkey's trade agreement with the EU, how it benefits both and potential flaws

[@drscopeify]

It's more complicated than that, Russia is critical for gas and oil and has a long standing feud with Turkey. It is probably Russia that is preventing the EU from looking further in to having Turkey join but in all respect the leader of turkey Erdogan has visions of returning the Ottoman empire so joining the EU wouldn't really work with that vision, it would be at total odds with it.

[@shakya00]

What many people don't know is that the EU has dozens of free trades agreements with non-EU countries. So since UK is close to Europe (in every sense) and open to free trade agreements, i don't see why such an agreement wouldn't be find. The UK would maintain its sovereignty and its access to the european market.

[@nancyfechter6646]

First, the UK always had its sovereignty. Second, I do not see the UK government wanting deals or anything useful but hard no deal in order to enrich themselves. Yuck!

[@shakya00]

@@nancyfechter6646 The UK had lost big piece of its sovereignty under EU. The EU has exclusive competences on custom union, establishing competitive rules, monetary policies (for countries in the euro), common fisheries policy, common commercial policy and trade deals. Without talking about the "shared" competences and how the EU rules are above national rules. A no deal is the only solution for UK to go out of the EU. Because the EU do not want to give a good deal, not to provide ideas for others exit. A no deal is the only solution for now but is totally compatible with a deal after the brexit. Canada and many others countries have a free trade agreement with EU so i don't see why the EU which is very pro-free trades (UK too) wouldn't end to make a deal like that when the UK will be out.

[@nancyfechter6646]

Shakya 00 Everybody could veto it and adjust the policies to suit their country’s needs. Did you see an embassy of Texas? No. But of Latvia? Certainly.

[@shakya00]

@@nancyfechter6646 You really don't understand how the EU works. Countries can't say anything on the exclusives competences, that's an *exclusive* EU prerogative. And i don't understand why do you try to compare a state of USA with a country.

[@nancyfechter6646]

Shakya 00 Sovereignty doesn’t exist. If you want to be independent and sovereign, you’d be isolated. EU has its competences but the EU itself is made of the member states. That is the reason why it has to be complex and abstract- to make compromise and unity. Common fisheries were agreed by the member stated. Agreed. By. MEMBER. States.

[@CybekCusal]

What?

[@roymichaeldeanable]

Norway issues Norwegian Fishing Licences only to Norwegians....

[@ronan_lapsley]

Eat your cereal.

[@null090909]

No one in Norway likes the EFTA. It's seen as being forced to follow all EU regulations without the chance to vote them. The pro-EU sees it as too little and the anti-EU as too much membership. It is just accepted as one of those political consensuses the country is known for.

[@kennethstople3969]

You do know we are technically an EU member, paying into the EU, following most if not all regulation and law, while having no say whatsoever in how said laws are made. Thats why I cannot understand why parliament and some people are refusing a referendum on the matter. Its just pointless to stay on the outside while de facto we are a in without a say.

[@andrewfrancis3591]

This is the reality of good negotiation. No one is happy. If everyone is happy they collapse due to structural flaws. Ask anybody in business, union negotiation, even when you go to buy a car.

[@M0LHA]

@@kennethstople3969 Interesting, you hold the almost polar opposite opinion of some people in our country. It's interesting to hear an opinion from the other side.

[@kennethstople3969]

@@M0LHA Most people in the rural areas are anti EU due to fish, agriculture, and primary sector industry reasons, and offcourse the eldery who grew up with a mixed bag. However the young and the ones living in the cities are more inclined to be pro-EU as they travel alot, experience alot, and even find their spouses outside of Norway. They see reasons why to join and dont hold that old, bitter and dogmatic view of past generations. If you ask me its only a matter of time before we enter into the EU familiy, as the eldery are dying, and the shear number working in the primary sector is shrinking every year.

[@randuru]

@@kennethstople3969 I really hope for this development. Europe as a whole - and Norway herself - would be better off with a full EU membership.

[@dirkgonthier101]

As usual, you forget to tell that Norway and the other efta-eea members refused to let the UK join their club. Even before your professor talked about the subject. Why are all Britsh so hopelessly unaware of what happens in other countries around the world?

[@dirkgonthier101]

@@punkinhoot That's a possibility, indeed... :)))

[@Helperbot-2000]

yeah its quite funny really how the uk still seems to forget they dont have an empire anymore lol

[@strahinjas8918]

Do Serbian relationship with the EU

[@ireneuszpyc6684]

Serbia hopes to join the E.U. in 2025

[@kennethmoses4900]

With Brexit, how will Norway deal with the UK’s contention over North Sea oil fields and cod fisheries? What are the Norwegian’s strategies for securing their shipping lanes? Will they seek closer cooperation with the EU to curb British influence in the area or just reaffirm ties with Iceland to gain some bargaining power? Would either side be willing to redraw ocean borders? And if so, in what way? *I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!*

[@kennethstople3969]

Norway deals in bilateral agreements due to our state as an EEA member. In the most wishful of thinking, we would hope for status quo regarding all aspects you mentioned. In worst scenario it is more likely we will adhere to how the EU approaches the UK, and then see if there is wiggle room fo negotiations for not to upset the brits too much. But more to come post 2020 when the transtition periode is over.

[@kennethmoses4900]

Kenneth Stople Hopefully, Norway and Britain stick to status-quo. Everyone loses when democracies don’t cooperate. There is also the Danish straits and the Kiel canal to consider, as in the end, the nation that controls the North Sea controls the Baltic sea. How would Moscow react when St. Petersburg’s primary shipping lane is under threat? Norway has always been a titan of diplomacy, if they can get the Russians or the Germans and Danes to see British dominance in the North Sea as a threat to their own trade sovereignty, they’d have outside support to keep the current system. But you’re right, it’s too early to say. I however have every hope that cooler heads will prevail!

[@Adrian-rb4qp]

Kenneth Moses there are no contention in the North Sea because of UN made eec’s. Norway and the uk knows where to go. Norway’s strategy for shipping is controlled by the us, an ally of Norway though nato that happens to be the naval power in the world. The uk is also in nato so any British takeover seems unlikely.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

The ocean borders are of course fixed. This is not an EU matter at all. Regarding fisheries, this can and will be negotiated between UK, Norway, EU, Iceland and Russia. UK is an old friend and ally of Norway, but, if UK for some crazy reason chooses piracy, expect trouble. Shots have been fired before.

[@kennethmoses4900]

Jan Hanchen Michelsen No one wants another cod war

[@sidwislff6184]

I wish Norway wasn’t a part of the EEA

[@RuneBjorg]

As a Norwegian, what I don't like about our relationship with EU, is that we are essentially bound by their rules, but can't have a say in them. It's like we are members with less rights, even though the people voted against a membership...

[@paultidd9332]

Iceland would be very interesting and any other countries, like the UK, that have left the EU and what their reasons were for leaving. I cannot help feeling the further you get away from the centre of the EU, being an island and colder develops a different culture and thinking.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

Iceland has never been an EU member. The Iceland deals are more or less parallel to Norway's.

[@rollosinternet1853]

I think you mean Greenland? They have plenty of fish! And not really a danger to the EU, so the UK cannot really compare apples and oranges.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

​@@rollosinternet1853 A large number of oversea territories, dependent regions, autonomous territories, etc from many countries have various special agreements with the EU. Greenland left the EEC in 1985, but the citizens have (as far as I know) kept their individual rights, like Danish citizens.

[@rollosinternet1853]

@@janhanchenmichelsen2627 Of course they do, but we are talking about the UK, a completely different type of fish. I understand that Greenland citizens have Danish passports, so I also believe that they would enjoy all their rights. I guess it's similar but different to citizens of NI who can have Irish passport as well as British. Not same thing, but no two things are completely the same if they are called different things, are they?

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

@@rollosinternet1853 Hehe, no. I think I misunderstood your post. We’ll see what happens. Regarding passports in NI ... well. I don’t know. Dual citizenship will not grant anyone special business rights if the border does become a WTO-border. Remember, there are vast, comprehensive, complex agreements between Iceland, Norway, the Faroes, Greenland and the EU. Based on decades and decades of negotiating and renegotiating. I really can‘t understand how an even larger, more important and politically much more difficult UK/EU-deal can be made in a few months. Time will tell.