Switzerland, Norway and Iceland REFUSE to join the EU. Why?

Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland: three nations with deep European roots that remain outside the European Union, despite their geographical and cultural ties. But why? As we delve into their unique histories and political decisions, we'll uncover the reasons behind their choice to stand apart from their EU counterparts. Furthermore, their membership in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) adds another layer to this intricate relationship. Join us as we also explore their present-day interactions and agreements with the EU, offering a comprehensive understanding of their positions in the European landscape.
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Sources:
Source 1: Nordics, EEC Referenda in Denmark and Norway nordics.info/show/artikel/exp...
Source 2: Systems Change Alliance, Why Norway Refused to join the EU
systemschangealliance.org/why...
Source 3: Nordic Labour Journal, The Nordics and the EU www.nordiclabourjournal.org/i-...
Source 4: BBC, Iceland's Fishing Industry
www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-en...
Source 5: Gallup: Largest Portion of Icelanders Favour Joining the European Union
grapevine.is/news/2022/03/10/...
Source 6: Webwire, Credit Suisse Europe Barometer
www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel....
Source 7: Wikipedia, Switzerland - European Union Relations en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzer...
Source 8: Swissinfo, Why Switzerland doesn’t want to join the European Union www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business...
Source 9: Wikipedia, European Single Market
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europea...
Source 10: KZbin, the European Union Explained
• The European Union Exp...
Source 11: Wikipedia, EFTA en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europea...
Source 12: EFTA, European Free Trade Association
www.efta.int/about-efta/europ...

[@p.h.3987]

They don't "refuse". They don't want to. There is no obligation WHATSOEVER to be member of the EU. Regards from the 🇪🇺

[@joimumu]

I was going to point that Iceland has been offered to join but it was Iceland that declined

[@Lleanlleawrg]

Same thing. When you don't want to join despite someone offering, you're refusing the invitation. No obligation required.

[@peterw4338]

Thanks for that, exactly what I was going to say.

[@Smulenify]

Yep, also Norway not joining makes Sweden and Finland look a certain way on EU maps

[@verrezen]

@@SmulenifySo? Blame the energy suppliers, not the EU. Also, check the estimated gain to the Norwegian economy. As BREXIT clearly demonstrates, barriers with you closest trading partners are not a good idea.

[@AgentSmith911]

As a Norwegian, I want our country to be ruled by our people, not by some Belgian bureaucrats

[@Anthony-db7cs]

The people aren't always right and can be rash.

[@xornxenophon3652]

Well, you are free to do as you want. But Norway is de facto a vassal of the EU.

[@mato_s]

The eu is not only “belgian bureaucrats” 💀

[@nouzgreb]

@Anthony-db7cs And what does that mean! Does it mean others have to make decisions for them?

[@Anthony-db7cs]

@@nouzgreb sometimes, yeah. Also, most of the people making their “decisions” are people they represented. I don’t want average Joe’s making complex societal choices. Keyboard warrior.

[@tomppeli.]

Another thing in common with all of the countries in question is that they're all quite wealthy, which makes them more capable to be independent. Less well-off countries seek financial stability in the EU.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

If you want to know the truth you have to have the courage to ask the question WHY. Why are some countries richer than others? Why are some people more successful than others? It starts with responsibility. Those people who are prepared to assume responsibility over their own lives as in general more successful than those who expect that the "community" meaning all the others are responsible for them. The fundamental principle of communism. Calling it Socialism is nothing more than putting perfume on to a pig and telling you it's a butterfly.

[@phmagnabosc0]

Is it independence if you have to pay into the EU budget and accept EU laws that you don't vote on, as Norway does? I am always surprised at that. It doesn't strike me as "independance".

[@davidgreen6490]

@@phmagnabosc0 Norway does not have to pay, theres no penalty if it doesnt, and they do not have to accerpt EU laws either..

[@phmagnabosc0]

@@davidgreen6490 NO does pay, although it is not as much as a Member state obviously, and has to adopt a lot of EU laws, if NO is to be part of the European economic area. Almost 30% of all EU law has been adopted by NO, after it was debated. amended and passed by the EU, with no input from NO lawmakers. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway%E2%80%93European_Union_relations

[@user-fi5nt5to9h]

They better stay outside the dictatorship of EU !

[@split_bug6760]

Another large part as to why Norway doesn't wish to join is its agriculture. For reasons that should seem obvious, agriculture isn't as easy in Norway as it is in for example France. If the country were to join, most farmers would go out of business, for it would be simply cheaper to import.

[@terrylandess6072]

Today's world depends on some imports no matter where, but to allow dependence on other's always ends up with 'hurt feelings'. Always. We are not one big happy family, but we do have a lot to share with each other culturally - shame the internet tossed us all into the same room too soon.

[@herptek]

To maintain a degree of national self-sufficiency in critical areas such as this is pretty important for nations. Disparities regarding this emerging in the EU common market have always been a problem to balance.

[@TG-hp8og]

​@@terrylandess6072 Thats not how it can work. Every country are asked to produce MORE food,not less. And yes,some items one cant produce ,often due to short growing time. But one need to keep import at a minimum. It hurt climate to import everything . It should be obvious...

[@NikolaosSkordilis]

The same, more or less, happened in Greece. Agriculture used to be a huge export business back when we had our own currency and no EU-wide agriculture policies. Now we can barely cover the domestic demand, with olive oil being the sole exception.

[@primrosedahlia9466]

Yes and in Norway there are very few large scale farmers as in the flat countries in Europe. The farmers here have zero possibilities for that type of farming. Still, Norwegian farmers struggle. One of the farmers I know said that he wouldnt want his worst enemy to go through what hes gone through as a farmer.

[@theTomster1981]

as a Swiss I love that we can decide ourselves which laws we want and which we don‘t want, how much taxes we have to pay and how the government gets to spend that money.

[@renatovonschumacher3511]

@@brb4903 You know better, dont you ?

[@theTomster1981]

@@brb4903 do your research..

[@alexsas63]

@@brb4903ah yes we do.

[@karibu333]

If we dont stand up, the politicians will take our responsibility on letting the WHO pandemic treaty happen. Greetings from Switzerland!

[@multienergico9299]

You can do that in the EU, you just get called off when acting irresponsibly

[@rjung_ch]

As a Swiss myself, I see it as a good thing we are not part of the EU.

[@robezy0]

The EU is the best thing that happened to Switzerland. It is ironic that I'll have to agree that not being part of it has been very beneficial to us.

[@Alphoric]

Gotta protect the Swiss fishing industry

[@rjung_ch]

@@Alphoric 😂

[@bmr4566]

@@robezy0 more power to you!

[@leslietoth2161]

👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@Arbaaltheundefeated]

For Norway, another reason I often hear cited is also the widespread belief, whether true or not, that joining the EU would bring with it a requirement (if not an immediate legal requirement, then being subject to pressure over time) to open up our offshore oil reserves for private foreign enterprise (which would be easily argued as breaking our constitution which declares the natural resources of Norway belong to its people), whereas currently the oil is a state affair that makes all its proceeds function as public money, though it is mostly invested, with only a limited quantity being spent in each budget, so as to avoid escalating inflation.

[@amparogonzalezalvarez2295]

The private ones (BP, Schell...) have been in Norway for a long time.

[@Elenrai]

The difference is FOREGIN investment, Norway as a state, or, rather, Norwegians as a people and ethnic group, retains control, that is key. Same reason you dont see many foreginers outside the major cities, the divide is real deep these days@@amparogonzalezalvarez2295

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Norway needs an EU membership like a hole in the head.

[@istvanmakai280]

@@amparogonzalezalvarez2295 Yes, by the norwegian rules and laws, not by the Eu directives...

[@staleeh]

Norway joining EU would be a disater for a big chunk of its people, especially people living in the outer districts of Norway.

[@gamerbeastyt5384]

The people of Ireland 🇮🇪 voted not to join the EU but the corrupt Irish government wasn't happy about the outcome and put it to the vote again and it went there way

[@rolandomunari588]

As an Italian living in Switzerland, I feel that one of the biggest deals here is direct democracy/self determination: so far it seems like that has worked pretty well for the country and the people.

[@joachimpetersen2301]

I think the swiss model is the best in the world. That's is what true democracy looks like not thos rubbish we have where the central government in partnership with big bussinesses control everything.

[@ghosthunter0950]

All democractic systems should strive to be more direct. It's ridiculous that other countries aren't doing the same

[@starvictory7079]

Except for women who didn't get the right to vote until the 1970s.

[@zilari3662]

@@starvictory7079 better late then never

[@jakobkristensensandvik5588]

@@ghosthunter0950 There are problems with direct democracy as well, though

[@0That_Guy0]

As a Norwegian, I will oppose any political party that even considers joining the EU. We’re far better off without being strongarmed by someone down in central Europe.

[@pba7]

Well said!

[@Roban554]

Helt enig!

[@vikingman5384]

1814!

[@TheCapybaraNews]

Helt feil. Norge hadde vert mye bedre som et medlem av EU

[@TotallyNotASpy]

@@TheCapybaraNews uheldigvis for deg, sier første paragraf i grunnloven vår nei. "Kongeriket Norge er et fritt, selvstendig, udelelig og uavhendelig rike. ..." men lykke til du

[@giovannidalpozzolo3363]

As an Italian, I sure as hell don't trust neither italian people nor italian politicians to make good decisions for my country, so I like that there's someone keeping them in check. These nations are successfull and functional as they are, so good for them!

[@drinkyourtea]

How do you mean I work with italians so I'm actually curious.

[@phoenixsui]

Are they tho? Are they really? No they are not. Left and Green ideologs ruining all european countrys.

[@toddthemushroom7652]

@@drinkyourtea In Italy we say: Don't let Italians rule Italy, just because all our problems are made by the politicians (Italians) and the people who vote (also Italians). And a lot of Italians says that our problems are made by EU or USA 😂

[@drinkyourtea]

@@toddthemushroom7652 ahhh right right lol I'll tell that to the italians.

[@toddthemushroom7652]

@@drinkyourtea try, but not all Italians recognise the truth

[@jamescardio5632]

Success is not built on success. It's built on failure, It's built on fraustration, it's built on fear that you have to overcome. I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life

[@maureencarson5493]

We are making sure our son will inherit our home, but however the government is taking steps to stop people from leaving their children their homes, it's heartbreaking to see they are trying to make it illegal not to leave your children your home.

[@craigpotter1262]

I just accepted, I needed to conform the narrative of Productivity when it comes to this new trillion-dollar's digital gold opportunity.

[@matthewhuo6543]

You're absolutely right, I think your proposal has much to comment on. Because when you invest, you're buying a day you don't have to work. ​@@craigpotter1262

[@alanfuller7176]

Please, it will be of benefit if you share more of your educational business lessons and ideas fact that's working recently.

[@matthewhuo6543]

Honestly speaking real estate has been the best but crypto is better rough for fast wealth growth.​@@alanfuller7176

[@hAn_TYkje]

Norwegian here. We say no to the EU because we don't want the EU to take and control our oil, gas and fish, along with a lot of other things.

[@georgedevries3992]

Heretic. How DARE you rejecting to unite with the rest of Humanity in the glorious European Imperium?

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

you are already under the control of eu with the only exceptions of fish agriculture and gas And you can't even vote

[@TrymBraathen]

What are you on about? We would not lose control of our oil, gas or fish. What makes you think that?

[@georgedevries3992]

@@PropellPelikan Selfish thinking heretics. That's what you are. And to think that your country is considered one of the most privileged on Terra just like all European countries. Precisely because you have the ability to be part of this collective that has HUGE potential for Mankind. Non-European countries would do ANYTHING to swap locations with your country so that they could be within the glorious and prosperous European continent and as such have the possibility of joining. But no, like selfish pr1cks you cherry pick the things that benefit you without assuming full responsibility and be a proud member of the European Imperium. You lot in fact remind me of Turkey. A Middle Eastern dictatorship, that basically tries to get the same pros out of the EU without joining while at the same time, badmouthing us. Disgusting. And your situation is even more disgusting since Norway could join the EU WAY easily compared to Turkey, which is unwanted btw for obvious reasons. But aight, enjoy your freedom and independence for as long as it lasts. Just don't come crying when things get dire for your country for whatever reason in the future.

[@roberthorvat9347]

​@@TrymBraathenif someone has enough on its own, there is no point in joining for else interests or desires.

[@abelsuisse9671]

The main hurdle for Switzerland is direct democracy. Cantonal and federal constitutions can be amended by the people with an initiative launched by the people. Laws can be challenged by the people with referenda launched by the people. However, EU law would always go unchallenged. This goes completely against the democratic core of Switzerland. I'm not saying that the EU is undemocratic, I love the EU, but swiss style democracy can't fit in the EU in its current form.

[@AndrewStamelakis]

yeah.. forcing high quality food standards, freedom of speech ect... what a Tyranny the EU is... gimme a break...

[@ceecurs]

EU is too big and diverse for direct democracy

[@ou3646]

@@AndrewStamelakis This isnt about what the EU would actually force Switzerland to do, this is about incompatibility of the system. In Switzerland every major law must be approved by the people and any law can be challenged by the the people through a vote. It doesnt matter how "good" this law is, if the swiss people dont like it, it wont be implemented and if they like it, it will. This very different from other countries.

[@maszk9743]

It's not CH that should be joining the EU, but the EU that should be annexed by CH.

[@raimonwintzer]

@@maszk9743 What a dream it would be to transform the entirety of Italy into the canton of Greater Ticino...

[@bloodynorahvan2203]

You missed the UK, who came out of the European Union, never had the Euro, are not in the Schengen area and have few bilateral agreements

[@TheboyInPurple915]

I asked someone if Norway should join, and she said that we shouldn’t because we will have to pay, but we won’t get any economic benefits.

[@benjamintomassennordahl7911]

That is true

[@Triggas]

The real reason Norway is not in the EU is to preserve the Finland-Sweden shape

[@dotz7616]

Yes, I like my euro coins

[@peterc.1618]

Geometrists are still pondering what to call the Finland-Sweden shape. 😀

[@mtaufiqn5040]

​@@peterc.1618an erected land

[@peterc.1618]

@@mtaufiqn5040 Looks more flaccid.

[@rullvard8245]

To be fair, it would still appear as a penis even with Norway joined…

[@elementalgolem5498]

Norway is heading further from EU membership in terms of public opinion is my experience as a Norwegian. It generally doesn't benefit us, and put current agreement seems unfair to most. Being forced to follow EU policies and contribute significantly to the budget

[@CrispyMuffin2]

Yeaa, and a lot of EU regulations just dont seem worth it anymore. And as far as i've heard, energy prices in the EU are even higher than Norway's

[@unjoueurcritique]

@@CrispyMuffin2 Northern power grid in Norway is independent from EU, while south is tied to EU grid. Right now, northern part gets its electrictiy for about 4 times less than southern. In winter when the demand is higher, it is not rare that southern part must pay 10 times more than northern Norway.

[@Anonymoose66G]

@@CrispyMuffin2 In Ireland we pay 56c a kWh 😂. It's outrageous, one of the highest in Europe I believe.

[@Boomerrage32]

But if Norway benefits from the EU without being directly in it, it seems only fair that they also help contribute, economically, to what makes the EU great in the first place. And regarding the rules, I guess I understand the arguement that nobody should follow rules that they aren't included in the process of making those rules, but that was Norway's choice: they are choosing to not be part of the decision making process. The current arrangement doesn't seem unfair to me.

[@elementalgolem5498]

@@Boomerrage32 didn't say it's unfair. But there's a few parts of it that seem a bit... Dumb. And yeah, Norway being one of the top contributors when not being that large itself is a bit dumb. For example having to give money from the Schengen area (Norway Iceland and Lichtenstein) 2.8 billion Euro from 2014-2021. Norway had to contribute 98% of this sum. That is all fine however the bigger issue Norwegians have with this is how it affects the Norwegian workforce. The Norwegian workforce used to have a lot of bargaining power. However with the deal every EU member citizen can apply for work in Norway. And a common thing is traveling to Norway for work, and sending the money home where it's much cheaper and traveling home ofren. Sure the worker doesn't get a lavish life in Norway, but does get one at home. And his family does too, however he can easily afford to outcompete Norwegians on Labour cost. Because he doesn't have the same living expenses a norwegian citizen has. As such the Norwegian labour market has suffered in terms of bargaining power and fair pay, on top a big increase in housing costs from foreign workers and students wanting to move here. This has lead to it being increasingly difficult for Norwegian youth to make it in the Norwegian market and they get forced into a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle reminiscent of the US. The argument is that "but it lets Norwegians work in other countries too!" Oh... Great we get to work, for lower pay in a lower cost country. Which gives you two options, live very poor in Norway or move out. Something most Norwegians don't want to do. So in effect it's a one way street. We give Europe access to the Norwegian labour market and except for in times of labour shortage we essentially just bring competition to our workers. Great for buisness. For welfare not so much. The transportation market is hit the hardest. a truck driver from Romania doesn't care if he's driving in Romania, or Norway. But he is willing to accept much lower pay. Hence 9/10 transport companies and workers in Norway aren't Norwegian. Not because Norwegians don't have enough of em, but because they keep going bankrupt having to pay Norwegian taxes, with Norwegian housing prices completing with European workers and companies paying far less Norwegian companies outsource logistics, and manufacture out of Norway. Because the deal lets them do it cheap, and they don't need to pay Norwegian prices for the workers. So it has some benefits. And it has some drawbacks. Over the years the benefits really start to become thin. Especially for the WORKING class Norwegians. Sure buisnesses love it and will always vote and lobby politicians to stay. But the people don't really benefit much. The benefits are free trade, free movement and right to work. As discussed right to work isn't really benefiting Norwegians, free trade benefits the market. But we trade with non free trade regions through trade agreements. So individual trade agreements with the different nations might just be better. Gives Norway more leverage over its resources. Oh and yeah energy companies. Fuck energy companies. Norway is a big producer of energy. So whenever energy costs are Higher in Europe than Norway. Which is quite common they SELL OUT TO EUROPE raising the energy costs of NORWEGIANS simply because they can profit more from selling to Europe even when Norwegian demand isn't satisfied yet. So dumb. We have to follow European road rules and regulations, which aren't really that good. And make no sense for a country of our climate. We would prefer to have our own rules instead. And so on so on. Benefits are really starting lot not feel all that great. The drawbacks are all there tho, and honestly they keep growing. So yeah. There's a movement to pull out of the deal because when Ukraine got invaded, and energy crisis emerged. The EU tried to force Norway to sell its power to Europe CHEAP because we are part of the free trade. Blah blah blah which would not only skyrocket the price Norwegians pay even more than it already had it would also remove a lot of our profits off the power. TLDR: many want something closer to how Switzerland does it. With individual trade agreements because the Norwegian market is affected by EU companies outcompeting Norwegian companies on price because they pay less labour costs.

[@mksnz]

Finland was in EFTA before EU which was forgotten in this doc. One consideration is that these three countries pay practically as much as members in order to be inside EU market without having any votes for any decision, and to be in they have to comply with the regulations and rules. Switzerland's banking sector has always been so shady that there's no way they would join and the voting system is ideal for populists which sometimes prevents making radical decisions. As long as Norway has oil reserved they do not join the union. Iceland is so small that it doesn't get much attention anyway.

[@juliettpapa]

Best analysis. I would add: take them their wealth and they will apply.

[@wjf0ne]

@mksnz Imagine this, from Norway, past Iceland on to Danish owned Greenland, the north Atlantic would belong to Brussels, and if you count that French Island off the coast of Canada, they'd lay claim to it all, and as the various Commissioners are only accountable to the joke parliament which is run by the bureaucrats, I shudder to think what could happen.

[@yesterttd]

All banking system arguments are discontinued since 2014.

[@srspower]

Populists? You mean as opposed to ELITES. I find it extraordinary that someone could talk about a democratically popular and accountable government as if it were a bad thing.

[@AB-zl4nh]

By staying out of the EU, Norway and Iceland become rule takers rather than rule makers. How? Norway and Iceland participate in the EU single market, engage in various programs such as Erasmus, and contribute to the EU budget. The EU budget and laws governing the single market, programs, and budget are established by the EU Parliament and Council of the EU. EU citizens vote for MEPs to represent them in Parliament and national governments to send Ministers to the Council. However, citizens of Norway and Iceland are not part of the EU, so they lack the right to vote for these representatives. Consequently, they end up as rule takers rather than rule makers.

[@Marmur1987]

Because people from these countries have brains...

[@Mosern1977]

As a Norwegian, I think this video was very good. Joining the EU is not on the table, however our politicians have snuck us closer and closer to the EU over time. Making us more or less de-facto EU members. I wish we had real democracy like Switzerland, but alas, we are stuck with "representative democracy", as the opposition to EU is larger in the population than amongst the politicians.

[@kut9682]

Vote for conservatives. When joining - you will be trading your resource-rich and culture-rich country for nothing but donations to the poorest EU states. (I'm from Luxembourg and though my country doesn't contribute as much, but from what I observe - the neighbours pay dearly for their membership)

[@Mosern1977]

@@kut9682 - The EU / Anti-EU stance is widely spread out on the political spectrum in Norway. But the historic two main parties (left/right) are both pro-EU. But EU is not a hot topic in Norway, because the politicians know bringing it up is a sure-fire way to tank on the opinion-polls. So they get votes on other topics, turn around a tie us closer to EU between the elections.

[@jubmelahtes]

​@@kut9682the conservatives are the most in favour of EU membership. Vote socialist to avoid membership

[@daniel.1683]

Yeah you're right... Maybe we should just invade norway. 🤷🏻‍♂️😸

[@terkkraft8057]

@@kut9682 If Luxembourg was to leave the EU, it would lose its valuable position as a tax haven within the EU, attracting EU business to set up their headquarters in Lux. Not so sure whether that's in the interest of the Luxembourgeois people.

[@idraote]

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are strong allies already and everybody is, for the most part, happy with the situation. As a EU citizen, the moment I find a good job, none of these countries will forbid me to stay there. On the other hand, each of those countries has sectors it wishes to safeguard, which wouldn't be possible if they were to join. I see no good reason for things to change.

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

@@arisnotheles If everybody was in for their interrest and out in ther protected sectors then eu wouldn't exist

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

@@arisnotheles just saying that the eu should not let other countries to parasite us like norway

[@lindmo]

As a Norwegian I can inform you gentlemen that staying out of EU has little to do with "safeguarding sectors". Most of our politicians actually wants us to join and we are practically already a member through the EEA. The opposition comes from the people who fear to lose sovereignity. After occupation from Denmark and more recently Nazi-Germany, the people are very hesitant to give away any part of its sovereignity. The reason is emotional, not economic.

[@billkammermeier]

I support decentralization, so I don't think any country should join the EU

[@Adreno23421]

Nice explanations and graphics. Very clear.

[@ianjones7488]

Refuse is a strong word. They simply don't want to join. Nobody is trying to force them

[@johnsmith-de3tl]

sure, just need another 9 referendums just to make "sure"

[@Lleanlleawrg]

If you ask me, and I say no thanks, that is a refusal. It doesn't have to be anyone trying to force anyone.

[@vikingman5384]

They are trying to "force" in other ways

[@rustknuckleirongut8107]

In Norway there are most definitely people trying to force a membership by hook or by crook. Those people are the industries and entities that would benefit financially and have no scruples about how their gain hurts the other parts of the Norwegian society and economy. Since the vote was clearly no to joining the EU(and public opinion remains so) we are now living a death by a million papercuts with legislation, rules and other things hidden in agreements quietly moving us into a sort of unspoken EU membership with no vote.

[@still26cool89]

Switzerland has been sanctioned by the EU because we do not want to fulfil all the conditions set by the European Union (unemployment benefit for EU citizens from day one, arbitration court only with EU judges and without Swiss judges). EU is forcing us.

[@puma1304]

as a Swiss I am not inclined to change my Direct Democracy for Brussel's rule... we already have the best of the agreements

[@lucasbispodossantos5074]

You also jave the best System in the world. The canton system makes every democracy in the world look like a scam or at best a bad joke. People are usually ignorant to how good of a example you guys are, unfortunately.

[@kind2rethink]

​@@lucasbispodossantos5074the canton system.is in many regards silly😂😂😂 as swiss its always funny how people think shit works here and also think the grass is more green in this side if yhe fence when in reality its not

[@ainars1205]

What is good in EU? Dictatorship of bureaucrats. If you don't know in what colour you need to paint your wall, they will say you. World of idiots!

[@Lusitanean]

@@kind2rethinkoh is it not? Only a swiss would completely disregard Switzerland’s system. You have no clue of how good you have it. Coming from someone that lived elsewhere in Europe and resides now in Switzerland.

[@prehistoriccreature1800]

@puma1304 we dont want you in our union anyway lol. You dont have any good agreement, and all you can do is cry

[@bron-sconcess.10]

Respect to these countries for seeking to secure their economic rights without secluding themselves from any conversations! Europe as an entity is very important; as important are free voices, not an established right amongst all countries of Europe, nor will it ever be. We must remain flexible 'organised' independency will help regulate the stability of the umbrella!

[@luclandrot7652]

China, USA and Russia thank you for that. If Europe wasn’t a minimum united, Russia would have already invaded half of Europe.

[@istvanmakai280]

@@luclandrot7652 sure. Like in Ukraine?

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Stop falling for the crap of "Europe as an entity". Unless you understand what that means. EU is an entity that enters "mutually binding agreements" with its member countries - in which individual countries subordinate their national laws to those of the EU directives. Now - they are controlled totally by bureaucrats in Brussels. Don't like it? Be happy that you are now a member of the EU. The EU is happy too. You pay, you do, you obey, and you shut up.

[@kiwitrainguy]

Ukraine was invaded because it is not a NATO member country. If Putin invades a NATO member country then he is at war with all of NATO and he knows he can't win in that situation.@@istvanmakai280

[@shimogane2474]

Switzerland is like that one country that officially isn't member, but like, no one really feels that. Fact it that Switzerland joining would be very complicated to even be possible. This country is so rich and has a different idea of what democracy is that they would lose a lot of their sovereign achievements, in return being bad for both EU and Switzerland.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

You say it is impossible that Switzerland will enter the EU since the country is so rich. That's the reason politicians want it to enter the EU, the UN, the WEF the WHO since the one and only interest everybody has in this Organization is MONEY - and Switzerland has it. Remember - these Unions are supposed to help - but if you country has no money they don't want you.

[@shimogane2474]

@@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp they take from Switzerland what they need. The eu F. E. Has so many treaties with them to trade like they are an eu member, but don't force their system to implement laws, which aren't designed for a country with that particular rich population, or being a much more direct democracy, being neutral as much as possible etc.

[@miska4999]

As a Swiss, I think it’s best to stay out of the EU. At least we can retain some of our last shreds of sovereignty.

[@kingofcelts]

Tbh, it has been Banking independence and in a lot of cases very questionable Banking practices that Switzerland wants to protect. That's the key reason it's not in the EU..

[@Redisia]

@@kingofcelts Yeah... there is still questions about hidden assets from a certain time period. Seeing how questions about that are always deflected and any request to put them at ease by checking have been denied. They are also relatively safe ... being boxxed in from all sides by EU/NATO members. So there is a massive safety buffer.

[@shantyclips6358]

There will come a time when the EU will grow a pair and blockade your country completely unless you join. You'd be in the EU within a decade...

[@nashtags]

@@kingofcelts Bank secrecy doesn't exist anymore as you would imagine. It's therefore not the «key» reason it's not in the EU. You have to look further than just «banks» as «bank secrecy» with accounts and numbers exist also in other countries such as Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta or even France. On the other hand, the decision process in Switzerland has been working since 175 years under semi-direct democracy. It's rooted deeply in traditions and civic nationalism. The system in the EU is top-to-bottom whereas in Switzerland it's bottom-to-top (the Cantons might sometimes have more freedom to organise themselves than the State and you receive your Swiss nationality through a system of collecting «Local» right of vote, then cantonal right of vote that might lead to national right of vote and not the other way around. Therefore, Switzerland and the Swiss are definitely *not* ready to let go semi-direct democracy in a bottom-to-top way while the EU is the total opposite. A lot of people could see deeper interactions with the EU, none seem ready to abandon direct-democracy. Neutrality as stated in the video is a false excuse: Sweden & Finland until recently, Ireland or Austria till today were or are neutral. They are member of the EU. It's therefore something people tend to put forward but it has no real proof it would be it as other neutral countries were or are member of the EU.

[@Kuricang31]

​@@kingofceltsBS banking industry is no longer main source of income for Switzerland, it's pharmaceutical and chemicals now. Banking only contributes at least 3 percent of Swiss income at best

[@ursus67]

Either you are a member of the EU or you have direct democracy. For the Swiss, it is out of the question that they surrender their political rights to EU functionaries whom they are not allowed to elect and, even worse, not allowed to vote out of office.

[@honkhonk8009]

EU should have a seperate "trade state" category. Coutnries like Turkey and Norway specifically.

[@Prodrive1]

Well said🎉

[@sevencolours5014]

Yes, they are simply smart. Other countries got fooled by Brussels.

[@moritzweber5707]

Ah yes, you mean they couldn't vote out the representatives they voted in with something like a Parlamentary election? There are Institutions for direct democracy e.g. the Citicen Assembly, as well as political parties in support of them. I am a big fan of the democracy in Switzerland and think the EU could do better, but some of you people are just making stuff up at this point.😅

[@Prodrive1]

@@moritzweber5707 citizens assembly! That is a Govt. Set up ie specifically chosen people to tow their line. No democracy there Sir. Total con job.

[@abhijithvm3166]

I really enjoyed this video and the content in this video is amazing and also very relevant. This video has giving clear insight on why this countries are not joined in European union and why they stand alone. The various reasons are sharing in this video and that related to economy , political and also environment however some people in country like Switzerland they are very happy and also supporting to join European union but they didn't joined yet. The end of this video make wonderful statement like do you think this country will join Eu or not and my view point in this comment was i believe that Switzerland will join Eu and ice land have possibility to join. Finally thank you EU made simple channel for the informative video and i recommending if you are person to eager more about European unions.

[@Dragon.2024.]

Why ? they are just intelligent and do not want their country, langage, currency, democracy, and high standard of living to disappear.

[@ka1sercsgo]

Switzerland gains nothing from joining the EU and would have to give up on the best political system in the world.

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

The best political system in the world is letting a bunch of stupid people decide for everyone else? By definition in a group of people most of them are stupid They are a powerhouse only because of geoolitics and financial industry

[@b.r.c9156]

And would have to give up your (not so transparent) financial system 😂

[@alpinewolf7751]

​@@b.r.c9156Jealous?

[@JP-ze3dt]

​@@b.r.c9156Thanks to the US that's not even true anymore lol

[@RFGSwiss]

@@b.r.c9156 this is false since about 20 years. the days of humber accounts are long gone.

[@soldatox3019]

Even if I'm in favor of EU expansion and further integration, I think that's a good thing to have neutral non-EU counties around. Even if they're western countries, not being completely inside the EU sphere of influence allows them to be good intermediaries for international disputes and agreements, allowing for easier international cooperation

[@summerfish9320]

And also giving us a perspective of what it is to be outside (for the good and for the bad). So that our EU politicians don't get lazy and have to improve the EU as we could see these three countries being better outside. And as the video says, they are already on our side and somehow very integrated. Priorities are others.

[@warrenschrader7481]

Eh.....neutral countries are useless. Remember how helpful they were between Russia and Ukraine?

[@soldatox3019]

@@warrenschrader7481 What do you mean useless? They might have not broken a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, but when they will do that they'll do it in a neutral country. Not to mention previous deals pushed by neutral countries in history, like how Finland worked as an in between the USSR and the European Wrest after WWI, or how they harbored things like the Geneva Convention. The fact that they aren't on one side allows them to be seen as a neutral ground, they don't necessarily succeed or even have the best interest for peace, but they have a place in international politics

[@oculusvision558]

@@soldatox3019 I think he meant "neutral" countries within the EU like Austria, that initially blocked the EU's aid to Ukraine based on their neutrality and wanted to enforce it upon all of the EU. And since EU needs an unanimous decision for that - the haul was put for quite some time

[@soldatox3019]

@@oculusvision558 Neutral countries can use their neutrality to behave like vultures, taking all opportunities to enrich themselves over the misery of others, but that's more of a reason to keep them out of the EU. In addition, not all neutral countries use their neutrality that way: before joining NATO Sweden used its neutrality to be the moral conscience of Europe by arguing for Palestinian nationality, in favor of Kurdish independence after they fought against ISIS, and against intervention in Vietnam, just to name a few; they used their neutrality to bring on the international stage the voices of those who couldn't. Switzerland used to be more like Austra in the past, using their neutrality for profit, but they have tried to become clearer and they too condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. What I'm saying is neutral countries aren't useless, even if they can use their neutrality for greed, they can also be a much needed space for international politics

[@ufo1330]

As a Swiss citizen, I have to say that the EU regulations are too much. Economic and security co-operation would be good, but no more. In addition, Switzerland is governed in a federalist manner from the bottom up, while the EU is governed in a centralised manner from the top down. Direct democracy is never compatible with that of the EU. We vote on important issues every three months. For example, on 3th March 2024 on a 13th state pension per year instead of 12 and a retirement age of 66. Where else in the world is that possible?

[@peschae]

Very good video. As a Swiss, I see most of the core issues addressed. We rule ourselfs with direct democracy, no other options are accepted, certainly not a central government in Brussels. I'll could accept free trade, but nothing more, certainly not the blackmailing attempts the EU is doning now. And I see it more than proven, that our system of direct democracy, federalism and considerably lower regulation is working very well.

[@rewar5870]

Hope you all can keep it that way , as an American living in the state I do , I am sick of being told what to do by a handful of people in the northeastern part of this country.

[@jasonsk4097]

@@rewar5870 I hope u guys over there do also well

[@AB-zl4nh]

By staying out of the EU, Norway and Iceland become rule takers rather than rule makers. How? Norway and Iceland participate in the EU single market, engage in various programs such as Erasmus, and contribute to the EU budget. The EU budget and laws governing the single market, programs, and budget are established by the EU Parliament and Council of the EU. EU citizens vote for MEPs to represent them in Parliament and national governments to send Ministers to the Council. However, citizens of Norway and Iceland are not part of the EU, so they lack the right to vote for these representatives. Consequently, they end up as rule takers rather than rule makers.

[@AB-zl4nh]

​@@rewar5870 You are against democracy. Putin is that you?

[@iam5085]

Russian money is always a welcome sight?

[@burkhardstackelberg1203]

I am happy with them not being in the EU's humongous apparatus, allowing them to exercise different examples of how politics can be done. Especially Switzerland's model of direct democracy is so seldomly an example for other countries to model their politics on.

[@AB-zl4nh]

By staying out of the EU, Norway and Iceland become rule takers rather than rule makers. How? Norway and Iceland participate in the EU single market, engage in various programs such as Erasmus, and contribute to the EU budget. The EU budget and laws governing the single market, programs, and budget are established by the EU Parliament and Council of the EU. EU citizens vote for MEPs to represent them in Parliament and national governments to send Ministers to the Council. However, citizens of Norway and Iceland are not part of the EU, so they lack the right to vote for these representatives. Consequently, they end up as rule takers rather than rule makers.

[@eleanis4525]

I am swiss and against joining the EU. One big reason is that the EU feels closer to a dicdatorship than a democracy. Our system is far from perfect but at least we can force a referendum on changes that we do not want and stop or at least delay such changes. I am not sure if the population of any other country in the world can do that. This has a very big influence on our peace as anything that was agreed on by over 50% of the population is easier to accept for everyone than something that some politicians that are usually not experts on the topic have decided.

[@argrena]

@@Wisteria__Lane I'm pretty sure yes, but what do we do with that information?

[@argrena]

​@@Wisteria__Lane I agree - it is mostly immigrants to what i see/feel (haven't read any specific statistics). People coming from outside, as they are needed for low paying jobs, but also the opposite is often seen. But just to clarify - I think not many are, as you call it, "poor". Some have to watch the money closely for sure, but In my eyes most not "poor".

[@__aveiga]

Switzerland “peace” is an exclusive result of the country’s policy to allow money laundering

[@uschurch]

I'm a Swiss and your inane remark that - to you - the EU "feels" like a dictatorship is incredibly stupid and and I hope our European friends don't take it too harshly. The EU is made up entirely of democracies and countries that closely follow the principle of the rule of law. As a Swiss you should know that our own country has a lot of legal and political problems, beginning with the lack of a constitutional court and ending with the fact that over a quarter of the population cannot participate democratically in our political system. Only 40% of Swiss citizens participate in votes and elections, most of which are men over 65. In some towns residents of 10 years or more get denied citizenship because they don't know the local butcher on a first name basis. Your comment is backward, nationalistic and cringeworthy.

[@proudream]

@@uschurch Your take is naive, your co-national is right.

[@benjamintomassennordahl7911]

Worth noting is that one of the reasons why Norway doesn't want to join is definitely fishing, but it is also because Norway has a more sustainable fishing policy than the rest of EU, and if we were to join, it would basically mean the emptying of the North Sea over years. It is also worth noting that similarly as Iceland, agriculture and monetary policy is another big topic as for why Norway doesn't want to join the EU.

[@Flyingdutchy33]

These countries are lighting examples of the future. The EU should be completely dissolved.

[@TheGhostoftheHiddenleaf]

As a swiss citizen i'm glad we are not EU and hopefully never will be.

[@Republic3D]

As a Norwegian, the main argument against EU membership for me is the human smuggling / immigration policy of Brussels. Secondary is the distain I have for EU bureaucrats and policy makers, and the anti-democratic political system. Norway was a colony or vassal state of Denmark for large periods of time during the middle ages, and Sweden until 1905. Norway now has a healthy amount of nationalism.

[@TheRedPeril]

Don’t ever fold. It’s destroy Britain. We have grooming gangs raping our girls. Stay strong. Don’t fold. Kind regards, the UK. A friend of yours, please don’t forget us if we need you.

[@m4rt_]

for more context: Norway was under Danish rule for long periods between 970 and 1035. Norway and Dennark were a part of the Kalmar union between 1397 and 1523. Norway was in a union with Denmark between 1524 and 1814. (Denmark basically owned us) Then after some war Sweeden took over, but let us be more independant, which then ended in 1905 when we became completely independant.

[@SleepyFen]

Ultimately whether Norway should join the EU or not is really a math problem more than anything else. EU membership carries a lot of obligations. If those obligations outweigh the positives, then Norway probably shouldn't join. And so far it seems the country's population has deemed that to be the case.

[@endthisnonsense7202]

You do realize this is pure nonsense? Norway is PART of Schengen. Its borders are regulated in exactly the SAME way as any EU member that is part of Schengen. Also, you should be aware that when Schengen was introduced it was the EU that told the Schengen members; "You will now be able cut spending on you national customs. We need this money to finance Frontex to be able to prevent immigration for you." And it were the Schengen member states that unanimously told the EU to F.O. as "we want to use this as an austerity measure", which is exactly what they did.

[@captain_context9991]

Yeah EVERY SINGLE country is against EU because they believe it will increase immigration. Legal and illegal... I spent 8 years in England and thats the reason the Brits voted out of the EU too. Popular opinions and populist ideologies. Which is the gateway drug into right-wing lunacy. Every country in EU is tired of this refugee immigration. And always having to be the one that has to fix these peoples countries and pay for it. This is not the case in reality. But popular opinon is very often NOT about reality. When a country gets 1000 refugees from, for example Syria or Ukraine, that does NOT mean that these 1000 people get to stay in that country forever. Only until its safe to send them back. Then they get sent back. Simple as that. But thats not what people see. People see refugees coming in, and then they never hear about them being sent back. Its the same problem with right-wing ideologies in America where people openly hate the poor and immigrants. Anyway. The EU is now trying to limit refugees into Europe because it simply cant be the EUs job to fix every country all the time. Even tho the actual problem is not NEARLY as bad as popular opinion will have you believe it is.

[@janzzen9095]

The Swiss, Norwegian and Icelandic people live by the EU rules ... They are committed to the open marked. They only dont have a vote in the process.

[@olefosshaug5565]

Like Roman vassal states

[@benjamintomassennordahl7911]

Although we have the soverignity to decline them if we want, and can set our own rules. Just look at fishing. Norway's fisheries policies are much stricter than those of the EU, which protects the ocean much more.

[@Deli0Man]

Not even a word on how the Icelandic ppl. jailed their criminal bankers?! Aaaaha. No questions more needed.

[@kayz3947]

I alwsys thought Norway and Iceland not joing the EU smelled fishy 😃

[@Grubnar]

Here in Iceland we have a word for that ... "peningalykt"!

[@ImperatorAlexanderAugustus]

As a Swiss citizen and fervently pan-europeanist i can say that you are right however we have (ironically enough) a big european sentiment due to our history and culture (peace, diplomacy and multiple languages). However Switzerland will not join the EU in its actual form for a lot of reasons, especially the neutrality and currency one. If the EU was reforming and becoming more united and democratic, at least on the local scale, Switzerland would probably join, because we literally have the ideal EU principles in our culture since hundreds of years.

[@Xisbrezatsgzormd]

Switzerland is a nice economic mediator in Europe and for the EU. And CH is very happy with gathering the benefits. And second one question that prevents to enter the EU is a complex CH political system and organisation. I think so

[@Luredreier]

I think that the problem is that the EU was funded by people with federalist ideals. A democracy simply can't function properly with that many people, especially not in such a diverse continent. And you'll end up with a tyranny of the majority issue, leading to most majority decisions essentially being undemocratic (at least in my view)... No, we need to build on a confederate model. Norway like Switzerland don't really mind following pretty much everything the EU wants, our ideals are pretty similar. But we've spent more then 500 years in unions that where harmful to us and Iceland (a part of the Norwegian Kingdom for most of that time). So I'd rather have no say in EU laws but have the right to veto any EU law, meaning that we ultimately have the sovereignty, even if it means less say in our day to day laws. At least we have that emergency ventilen, while members *have* to follow EU laws...

[@dariob9786]

@@Luredreier Well, Switzerland is federalist par excellence. Albeit not big, Switzerland has almost as many cantons as there are EU member states, all with slightly different ideas and approaches, which the federal state brings together as grand coalition of many parties or rather as a consensual based government. The EU commission has many members from all different political backgrounds. Switzerland is the best example that it works. One last thing: don't be fooled by the name "Swiss Confederation", which I think you're referring to. We have been a federal state since 1848; "confederation" only refers to the "good ole times" (which is not true of course)...

[@AndrewStamelakis]

I don't understand why should the rest of Europe grant the Swiss so many privileges? What are you offering? Nothing but a corrupt banking system in my eyes. I can understand Iceland and Norway's reluctance to join. Even so, its almost 50-50 for them. Swiss are just selfish in my eyes. I'd be very keen to see the EU cancel many agreements with you...

[@Slithermotion]

Thinking switzerland would join an even more united europe is delusional. What does that even mean more united on a local level. Just a bunch of words that don‘t mean anything.

[@FBA-Renaissance]

Definitely learned something new today!!! THANKS DUDE 😎

[@dimitargeorgiev8663]

Because their politicians are not stupid, or puppets with no political will of their own.. unlike the majority of EU members, which have lost nearly all sovereignty.

[@slavianalbanovich9025]

They will never enter as long as EFTA exists, if these agreements were to fail, these nations would be faced with a precise choice: either they are completely in or they are completely out.

[@organicperoxide4619]

Then i hope we go out. We have enough things that the EU are in dire need of so its not a big issue. Fish and energy in particular. Hope we never enter the 4th reich!

[@slavianalbanovich9025]

@@organicperoxide4619 This type of answers is boring, they never add serious content to the debate.

[@organicperoxide4619]

@@slavianalbanovich9025 Whats wrong with it? Germany steers EU as they want...

[@Innerspace100]

@@slavianalbanovich9025 That's because organicperoxide is a Norwegian hard-line "Nei til EU" person. I myself am ambivalent and somewhat undecided on the EU question, so I understand your frustration over his very, very hardened stance. But, remember: In some milieus here in Norway, EU is still now viewed as the equivalent to the biblical Satan, or even worse. That's their perogative, I suppose, but I am not quite there, to put it mildly. Personally, I see both pro's and cons, and find the question a bit too complex to have a hard and fast opinion on.

[@Shan-js3hn]

An EU debate would be more accepted in norway, but. As it currently stands, the EU from what I understand is in a lawsuit of sorts for efta violations because of norway banning staffinf agencies in certain regions. As well as the ongoing mackerel quota dispute going on. From what most norwegian sees it, joining the EU would give most of the nations sovereignty over to Germany. Seeing as Norway although not a EU member, is suffering from inflation and the previous power prices which are mostly thought to be imported from the EU. Im not for nor against as it currently stands, but both sides have good arguments.

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[@wienerschnietzel8983]

5:23 But the agricultural sectior plays a big role as well. Swiss farmers are heavily subsidized which wouldn't be allowed if Switzerland was part of the EU. Swiss people, especially in rural parts of the country, see farmers as an essential part of Swiss identity and want to protect them even if they couldn't compete with imported goods.

[@anikagrozev2254]

It is obvious that the tension existing around the war in Ukraine and the inevitable consequences are not attractive at all!

[@blaxxun9051]

Another reason Norway is reluctant is a perceived notion that the EU just don't seem to 'get it' with what is important to Norway. There are many regulations and clauses in EU law that came about to protect what each member country is really good at. One version of this is stuff like food designations. In the EU, you can't call just any old salty aged crumbly cheese parmesan, Italy is the only one that can do that. Norway would need similar assurances for fishing and energy, as these are really vital parts of the norwegian economy both in exports and domestic consumption. Some background info: One of norway's biggest competitive advantages in industry and just economics in general is a really robust electrical grid with cheap electricity. This is used in a lot of draining chemical engineering and processing industries that aren't often talked about but collectively add up to an enormous part of norways economy. It has also shaped norways consumer practices, with most homes being heated electrically and gas heating being basically non existant. In recent years, to try and promote cooperation with the EU as well as stabilize ourselves against price shocks, we have started linking our power grids with the EU. This backfired spectacularly during the gas/electricity crisis of 2021/2022, with our electricity prices increasing on average about 1000%, with peaks closer to 6000%. This was an imported problem. We had surplus production, but due to those cables and the agreements around them our grid was hemorrhaging. This meant that there were many months where the average norwegian home could easily spend 20-30% of their net income just on electricity, and this is after doing all they could to reduce spending. Despite numerous appeals by both the norwegian people and the norwegian government to focus on alleviating such things, the EU effectively told them in more kind words to get bent, while calling us war profiteerers for selling our gas at market rate and essentially whinging that we wouldn't give away the gas for free when the EU was already bleeding our people dry. The EU nations didn't care about electricity prices much since they could just turn off their lights and reduce the cost to basically zero. A 1000% increase on a 10 euro bill wouldn't really bankrupt the average household after all, so they even closed down nuclear plants mid crisis, just spending their way through it. So they instead complained constantly about gas prices which in Norways interest would be kept high as we export it all and use essentially none of it ourselves. Norways citizens basically got to see in real time that the EU didn't care that we were facing a 1000% increase in heating costs, while complaining themselves to the point of hysteria about their own 200% heating cost increase. Prior to 2021 most opposition to EU membership in Norway had little merit, essentially just fear mongering about sovereignty and the like with no real tangible examples to point to. That's not the case anymore. It's been thoroughly ingrained in the Norwegian psyche that we care about very different things, and even with voting rights, we wouldn't have a big enough voice to ensure our interests aren't overruled by these other nations.

[@johnsmith-de3tl]

same sentiment in my circles, even the ones that was milk toast are now hardliners. all they want is out money,fish and oil, and they will fuck us on the price if they can.

[@simple7708]

"while calling us war profiteerers for selling our gas at market rate" If Norway was to suddenly stop exporting oil and gas, they would just be more mad

[@mimull1378]

Norwegian here, it's not just fishing, it's also farming and and suporting the Norwegian work force. We suport local grown food for environmental resons as well as being able to provide example farmers with sustainable jobs. There is allready a influx of imprted good that our government are regulate in order to minigate the risk to the Norwegian work force. We also have to pay tax if we are buying from other countries. Our agreement with EØS maks transactions, import and export with the EU posible, but joining them could greatly effect our work force and effect the our workers organisations like LO.

[@vikinnorway6725]

EU temper with everything. we in Norway follow pretty much every rule because we are in EØS. Now they want to set in new rules that will be horrible for Norway. And threaten us with sanctions if we dont to them. That should say why we are not in. They want us to change to glass bottles to recycle. But we already have a system that recycle 99% of all bottles and have done that for 100 years.. and they want Norwegians to upgrade ALL old houses to use less electicity. This would cost about 100.000$ for around a million homes. We in Norway have enough clean energy to supply our self but they want our electricity because they f up their own system. Its just crazy

[@fluffybunny5518]

Thank you for putting “sovereignty” on the list. Switzerland is currently in negotiations with the EU, where the separate bilateral agreements should be bundled into a “Institutionelles Rahmenabkommen”. This comes with changes which are incompatible with direct democracy. Basically, the EU insists that Switzerland automatically applied the laws it decides without Switzerland having any representation and if Switzerland has a disagreement on this the court that judges it is going to be an EU court. No Swiss judges in their either. Its exactly that kind of shit why so many people hat the EU. Add-on: The best thing is that Brussels started to use extorsion. Kicking Switzerland out of Horizon for example. But at the same time insists that Switzerland has to still pay what was originally agreed. If Brussels really wanted Switzerland to join it royally f’ed up. The EU has never been more disliked here (which is a problem, because they can't get it in their head that they have to convince the Swiss people and not our politicians since we actually have a working democracy). I was originally pro union and cooperation. Guess what I’m going to vote now. Yes to union with our European sisters and brothers but not with those wannabe-autocrats in Brussels.

[@jouvary]

Due to the oil, Norways economy is larger per capita than most EU-countries. Even though the Norwegian state tries to keep most of the profit for future expenses, lots of money is in circulation which has triggered the price and cost levels. If not subsidized by the oil the rest of the economy (maby except for the fish) would have big difficulties to survive without preventing competing cheaper products from coming in from abroad. That would not be possible if Norway would be a EU-member. Especially the agricultural sector would be very vulnerable.

[@simongross3122]

Yes true. Their sovereign future fund would be at risk with EU membership. Norwegians are smarter than that.

[@Dark_jirachi]

As a Swiss, absolutely NO! I don’t like EU and I’m glad than we’re neutral. Our direct democracy is perfect, we don’t need the help of the EU, this is my idea. Sorry for bad English

[@garthreid7114]

Good opinion, the EU is a vice, that's why UK left the European community. Too much open border policies.

[@davidtether473]

Some years ago I was at a trade fair in Xiamen in China, and a lady Swiss diplomat told me that The Swiss were able to make bilateral trade agreements to their satisfaction. A few days ago in the Far East I spoke to a Norwegian, and I was told that the referendum years ago was very close possibly below one thousand. However Norway has to pay a levy to Europe maybe 3%. I cannot see how Iceland can reconcile its loss of control over their fisheries with the demands of Europe. This presentation was helpfull and in my view accurate.

[@richardcrocker539]

The same reasons UK left the EU.

[@dbarrett747]

But apparently we are the bad guys for doing so

[@PigeonCrash]

As a Norwegian one fear that keeps coming up in regards to joining the EU is the chance that our sovereign oil wealth fund could be compromised in one of several ways. Currently it is being invested in a wide portfolio of stocks that have to pass a long list of criteria to be eligible. This has led to a bunch of companies changing their policies to apply for an investment from our oil fund, thus allowing Norway to indirectly wield geo-political power above our "weight class". If we joined the EU there isn't much we could do if it was democratically elected that "nations with sovereign wealth funds need to do x, y, z".

[@TheRedPeril]

Plus you would have to take vast numbers of ILLEGAL immigrants. Just ask Sweden how that’s going. Stay out.

[@magnusls]

@@TheRedPeril sweedens madness was a realy good wake-up call to manny norwegians, before the massive uncontrolled flood in to europe, norway was actualy more in favor of helping out immigrants legal and illegal, but after the shit show, manny finaly woke up to the fact, that you cant house others, if your own house is on fire

[@johnmcmullan9741]

It's artificial wealth that adds nothing tangible to Norway's economy. Why Norway has the worst economy in Europe. It's almost like Norwegians don't understand what an economy is and assume it's just about accumulating artificial wealth. Only superstitious folk lost on the periphery of civilisation could be so economically illiterate. Thinking otherwise just confirms Norway is backward-looking and isolated on the periphery of civilistion, geographically, climatically and culturally.

[@Lordofcookiejars]

You understand it is possible to negotiate for exemptions from these kinds of rules to ever apply to you when joining, right? And that 100% of the countries in the EU (including yourself) would be needed to change such an exemption? For example, all countries are required to eventually abolish their national currency for the Euro, except for Denmark (and the UK before Brexit) since they have an exemption. This exemption will never change. Although speaking of Scandinavia, even though Sweden is legally required to eventually adopt the Euro, they are currently abusing a loophole in the rules to indefinitely avoid having to do it, so I guess that is also an option, lol. If Norway joined the EU they would easily be able to negotiate exemptions for more or less all of their main concerns since they are otherwise a perfect candidate member. So your concerns don't really apply.

[@Lordofcookiejars]

Basically Norway would have FAR more sway over their own affairs as part of a Scandinavian voting block in the EU than they currently do. Since they would be able to get exemptions for any major concerns (sovereign funds, fishing rights, oil rights, whatever), so those could never be threatened. But it would get to have an actual voice in rules that they are currently being forced to obey without question (i.e., EU single market). And a united Scandinavian or Nordic voting block in the EU would be big enough to have a real tangible effect on any EU votes.

[@Norwegian733]

Why? My reason: Because France and Germany has silently taken the power and rule Europe like their previous leaders always dreamed about. Its just that now they do it diplomaticly and small steps at the time.

[@markuskitzinger6374]

What makes you think that?

[@OneTrueKing23]

You mentioned Iceland being forgot from a map, while also forgetting to mention Lichtenstein as a neighbor of Switzerland

[@Goldiizz]

I'm Swiss, so I don't want us to join the EU. As you said in the video, we're basically in a state where we have most of the benefits from it without the drawbacks

[@ItzBloodless]

As a Swiss I see this as an absolute win.

[@prehistoriccreature1800]

imagine being a swiss coward lmfao

[@ItzBloodless]

@@prehistoriccreature1800 Imagine being thrown in the Garbage truck by your mom when you were born.

[@prehistoriccreature1800]

@@ItzBloodless So, what happened to you. Yeah, imagine.

[@prehistoriccreature1800]

@@ItzBloodless Swiss coward

[@ItzBloodless]

@@prehistoriccreature1800 look you jealous living in a 3rd World Country jealousy is such a beautiful thing you can see it the Swiss living in your head rent free.

[@1LPMx1]

Iceland: Why am I missing on this map? New Zealand: First time?

[@earlofcruisegw1727]

A major aspect of ICELAND not joining EU is the Financial Crisis and the bankrupt of banks which refused to repay funds to EU investors, that would have desdtroyed the state budget

[@Mute_Nostril_Agony]

Another reason for scepticism in Iceland is seeing how they managed to cope with the 2008 banking crisis on their own vs how the EU hung Greece out to dry. As Switzerland was a major trading nation at the time that the EC started, they were able to negotiate several sweet deals that would not be on the table for any new members

[@huro1845]

You're confusing the EU with the Eurozone that Greece is a part of, hence the financial implications.

[@definitlynotbenlente7671]

​@@huro1845the EU saved the greek economy from total colapsse billions where given to greece

[@benjamintomassennordahl7911]

@@definitlynotbenlente7671 But the EU was also a large part to blame for the collapse to start with. And the measures to "save" the Greek economy was detrimental to their economic growth and stability. Greece just recovered from the financial crisis, that after having to make a lot of difficult decisions in the past decade + and off course the Covid pandemic.

[@oddcool1]

As a Norwegian, under the current EU setup i don't see any points i joining the EU, they have to do alot of changes for that to be happening. There is to much vital control we will be losing over alot of different things that we are not interested in losing control over. And one of the biggest problems are that the power prices would go sky high....even more than what it currently is doing. So joining a body who is currently in minus power generation is definitely not gonna happen. And EU is currently in to of a unrefined condition to be worth joining. It needs to be refined a good amount more and be better thought out on expanding and adding new countries and to improve current existing once.

[@terkkraft8057]

Interesting standpoint. Would you elaborate a bit more on how power prices would go higher with EU member ship, when Norway is already an EAA member? Maybe there's an aspect I'm overlooking.

[@johnsmith-de3tl]

​@@terkkraft8057 we still dont have all the tariffs or taxes that the eu got on power production. so we still have cheaper power then the main land. would be dirt cheap if we wasn't a member of eea but that's for another argument.

[@dhzhbb]

富裕国家不想加入欧盟 补贴那些贫穷的欧盟成员国 以及欧盟外的贫穷国家 那些贫穷的国家应该靠自己而不是懒惰的等待救助

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

Are you aware that you already are under eu control in everthing except fish agriculture and energy? And you can not vote

[@steffen6987]

Noen som burde lære seg bedre engelsk...

[@Cta2006]

A country with 5.4 million people like Norway will have nothing to say and no sway in the EU. The EU is essentially run by Germany and France with populations of 70 - 80 million people. Norway will have no power in any debates. You also have to take into account that Norway was under other coutries rule for 100's of years, including Sweden, Denmark and Nazi Germany. Our independence is fairly new.

[@Elenrai]

In fairness Denmark did not Rule Norway, the king of Denmark and Norway, ruled Denmark and Norway, until the british and swedes fucked that up and made your flag look DISGUSTING, EW! But still, its not like we are all that different as people, I still vibe with plenty of Norwegians due to our shared language and culture. Also its not like Danish independence really did jack shit, Denmark-Norway just got kicked around. Unless Peter Wessel was involved, in which case everyone else got kicked around.... :D

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Norway - if you were broke the EU would not want you. That alone tells you why you are a prime target. Not for your beauty but for your fish and other natural resources. Brussels is greedy for a lot of politicians to be fed. Wouldn't it be nice for Norwegian to know that they are paying Macron, Schultz, a nice lady Ursula von der Leyen - a stooge that got put into her position by Angela Merkel personally - the communist broad who sold out Germany to Putin - her personal friend with whom she studied communist governing in works shops in East Germany under the STASI- Putin lived 5 years in Eastern Germany and she speaks Russian and he German. Yes - the dream team.

[@Vito5107]

​As a Swiss, I don't want foreign judges who force judgments on us that we don't want. We are extremely satisfied with our system so far! Nothing will change in the overall situation anyway. In Switzerland, the people are the sovereign and not some "democratically" appointed politicians from abroad. We decide ourselves about our parliament and, if necessary, DIRECTLY about laws, because our constitution says so.

[@henkvandervossen6616]

The Efta countries are in practice members of the EU. They participate in almost all programs , including financially. They are ruletakers not rulemakers. If they feel comfortable, then let them be.

[@AleksanderFimreite]

I was not aware that any country on the planet had anything close to the type of democracy system I desire. To make a public vote per topic at hand, good job Switzerland!

[@TheGamingSyndrom]

its an incredibly stupid political system, but it works with such a small and insignificant country

[@chbonnhoff]

@@TheGamingSyndrom I would strongly disagree. First raising hands is done just in two very small cantons or in local communities and only done for their local issues. It works for them so it is fine and far away from stupid. Raise your hand and in 80% of the cases you don't have to count. It is a simple yes or no answer. 2. Which system is more stupid. A system where you can have a direct influence of what happens hand how you want to live or a 4/ 8 year kingdom like the USA? In my view that is exactly what it is in a "Presidential" "democracy". You choose your king/queen for the next x years. This king does plus minus whatever he/she likes. After his/her period another king/queen has the power and maybe changes everything the former holder of the power did. THAT IS A STUPID SYSTEM.

[@TheGamingSyndrom]

@@chbonnhoff you believe whatever you want. I'm glad I live in an indirect democracy

[@ainars1205]

What is good in EU?

[@TheGamingSyndrom]

@@ainars1205 everything

[@WaechterDerNacht]

As a Swiss, my main problem with the EU is, that it's an undemocratic institution that stomps it's own principles. People have no say about what Bruxelles does. In one year they make a decent try at privacy laws, just to turn everything on it's head afterwards and pave the way for more surveillance. They have rules which positions have which requirements, just to have someone in a position which can't have it by the EUs own rules, just to keep the influence of certain countries high coughvonderleyencough... I won't start with the arrogance the EU shows when it comes to the way they act towards Switzerland e.g. when it comes to tax laws etc. while having memberstates with catastrophic laws... And the EU mixes things totally up: tax laws and banking has nothing to do with ERASMUS or Horizon research agreements... Yes, our government currently doesn't know what exactly they want in the renewed agreements, but that currently is more a problem because the EU wants new agreements, not Switzerland.

[@gergelybodi3728]

The Swiss are not stupid, any of the ECB's delegated central bank would close the non-kantonal swiss banks within 5 minutes on compliance reasons.

[@FerrySwart]

well said!

[@captain_context9991]

Dude. The EU is a big and difficult machine to operate. Just because you people, and my country can do better without the EU, does not mean we get to sit on the sideline and talk crap about them. The EU is doing an amazingly big job and its VERY OFTEN beyond single people to sit there and think they know better than something as big as the EU. Some countries, some people, simply are more important than others. There is no universal downside to being a EU member. And if England understood how it works, they would get back in.

[@WaechterDerNacht]

@@captain_context9991 It's not talking crap about them. It's giving reasons for my opinion. Also, if it's not allowed to critique an organisation, this organisation will end up with a bunch of "Yaay"-sayers without new ideas that bring an organisation not forward and just try to keep their positions. I also think that if the EU would be organised differently and keep to the topics where a european solution is needed, much more people would be in support of it than now. In this case, it would, in my opinion, be a good thing for Switzerland to join. But not when it is organised this way and some countries/people have more say than others and force their ideas on how things should work on other countries. In general, there is no reason, as a european, why i should not be allowed to critique the EU. In daily life, I am in contact that are regulated by the EU - so the EU and it's legislations are relevant to me and therefor (following your comments logic) am allowed to critique it. I also critique Switzerland - often heavily - but most points are not relevant to the topic of this video.

[@NoNeedNoGreed]

@@captain_context9991 Well there is no reason the "unimportant" countries should willingly shackle themselves to a bigger country's will just because they are more powerful. You're not doing as good a job at propagandizing for the EU as you think. I think a lot of people would like to see the EU going in a more democratic path, especially a lot of people within the EU, but so far it's same old undemocratic bureaucratic mess. The core principle of the union was to tie economies together to prevent war, not to regulate every single part of every country within it, from economics to culture to foreign policy which it clearly does these days. It is almost getting to the point where people consider a world without the EU better than one with it

[@paulsmith1981]

Mikhail Gorbachev said he was perplexed by Western governments recreating the Soviet Union in the west.

[@TheSietch]

Good summary of the main reasons for Norway choosing to not joining EU. Norway is primarily an exporter of natural resources. Nearly all European Union nations are importers of the same resources. It follows that EU nations and Norway have a basic conflict of interest. We are a different sides of the table when it comes to oil, gas, hydroelectric power and fish. The export of these resources are crucial to the Norwegian economy. The cost of being outside the main decision making structures in Europe is fairly high though…

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Angela Merkel - is a politician who got sneaked into the West German government by the Communists when the Wall came down. Trained by the STASI in the same classes where Putin studied. He lived in East Germany for many years. Today in Germany - she eliminated all Coal Mining and closed all other fossil energy production. ZERO. She declared Nuclear Energy illegal - as of 2022. Financed to Northsea Pipeline for Russia - Germany direct with a handshake with her buddy Vladimir. Need to know more?

[@FredoRockwell]

Great video! I was also delighted to be served up an ad featuring former MEP Nigel Farage shilling his "Fortune & Freedom" newsletter after the video finished! 🤣

[@EUMadeSimple]

Thanks! That is hilarious. Not sure if his target audience watches these videos? :P

[@kimlaursen8224]

@@EUMadeSimple Is it possible you can cover the new Franco-German report presenting proposals for "Reforming and Enlarging the EU for the 21st century"? www.auswaertiges-amt.de/blob/2617322/4d0e0010ffcd8c0079e21329bbbb3332/230919-rfaa-deu-fra-bericht-data.pdf

[@Khobotov]

Switzerland has also higher standards in their laws for food and livestock farming than the EU. Making swiss people think the only ones benefiting from joining the EU would be companies while the quality of living would drop.

[@detlefmann7433]

Even the falling wages and a lot more criminal immigrants ... would been the consequences, that couldn't expel anymore in "pact with EU".

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Why would the Quality of life for the Swiss decline if you would stop paying all the politicians in Bern and be so thankful that Ursula von der Leyen and the hordes of rogue bureaucrats in Bruessel would take of all the problems the kind people of Switzerland have? You would be treated like they treat everybody. Stupid peasants who should count their blessings to have the honor to work for them - the bureaucrats and the politicians who are using them to do their dirty work. United you would be in working for them.

[@mtk77621]

There's no reason why EU standards would overrule Swiss standards, that's not how it works

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

@@mtk77621 What do you think the purpose of the EU is? It was created by whom? The idea of the EU is nothing else but a Marketing Concept. Instead of working for a National Government in their countries, they create together a "Legal Entity - EU" and sell the Governments of countries the idea of becoming members of a GROUP OF COUNTRIES with the benefits of "a bigger market for their products". But 9 to become a member they must sign "the Contract" in which it says that EU "Directives" will overrule National jurisdiction. TAKE IT OF LEAVE IT - and of course, in every country, some politicians take it - traveling to Brussels and getting a job in the EU government is "the carrot of the stick for the donkey - ahhhh the politicians.

[@mtk77621]

@@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp You should probably read comments you respond to before writing unhinged responses like this. I said "There's no reason why EU standards would overrule Swiss standards". If a country has lower standards then the EU standards, they will be overruled. If a country has higher standards, they won't be overruled.

[@JoeMama-bk7rd]

Wow! Can't believe it's a question.

[@americahater2]

Norwegian here. Can't speak for all but we do not like the idea of giving away our resources without getting any value back for it like with electricity now.

[@raymondfranke154]

Interesting, but a major oversight of this presentation is currency integrity. The Swiss Franc, the Norwegian Krone - their national banks set monetary policy for their countries. This should have been mentioned.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

The EURO is the biggest fraud ever. Nobody is in charge of the EURO. The currency is under the government of a Group of Politicians who have no decision-making powers The Euro regulations and agreements are "Recommendations" that none of the countries ever met. The only reason 70% of the Euro countries would be bankrupt if they would grant each other increasing amounts of "loans" against no guarantees or financial back-up other than "smiling politicians shaking hands and declaring each other credit-worthy partners. If Banks were managed like the Euro is - bankers would be in prison.

[@cococalm]

The biggest issue for me as a Swiss, is the centralised governance of the EU. This governance is corrupt, disfunctional and biased. Lastly, the EU government is appointed ..... this is very UNDEMOCRATIC. The EU was designed as a free trade area and this is what it should remain. THe day it became political, it ushered in a new dictatorship to Europe which is akin to the Chinese and Soviet style of governance.

[@honkhonk8009]

Now yall know how Americans feel abt the feds lmfao. It sucks cus the idea is that states would be as autonomous as countries, but Democrats seem hellbent on federalizing everything to such an extreme level. Even shit like healthcare. Something that should be implemented at a state level, ends up being forced down everyone at the federal level. Its such a simple concept that only republicans for some reason understand. I dont know why either. Like the whole point of an electoral college, is the fact that the feds should act like the EU. Its not supposed to be passing laws that should be passed on a state level. I dont know why people in New York feel that someone in rural Texas shouldnt be represented in an government thats by design, supposed to act more like a "glue" between each state. Its all very goofy, and I blame the education system for it. They lower standards, to the point basic history, geography, and civics, become an elective rather than a mandatory class.

[@pio4362]

It is not centralised, if anything it's the exact opposite (look at the reaction to Isarel-Palestine war). The EU was originally designed to reconcile France and Germany at the start, free trade came later.

[@cococalm]

@@pio4362 Oh come on !! It is centralised in Brussels and the entire EU has to do as Brussels says or else face sanctions ...... how is this not centralised governace ??

[@twilightknight2333]

@@cococalm it wouldn't be a problem if the EU wasn't so pathetically anti-Europe.

[@JohnFossbass]

That’s why I voted to leave (uk citizen)

[@yyy.y_copyright]

As a Human I don't want my family to get fished at all, doesn't Matter who is that or what is that.

[@ChLop-zz3lq]

If Switzerland were to join, it would destabilize both, Switzerland and the EU. Because it would just be a matter of time until the Swiss would reject implementing an EU regulation in a direct democratic referendum. Then either, there would have to be a Swexit or the Swiss would again resort to a special status. In both scenarios, both, the EU and Switzerland would face a host of turbulences along with economic and geopolitical losses, possibly worse than Brexit. Meanwhile, the upside for both sides is negligible, as Switzerland already autonomously adapts the vast majority of EU regulations under current legal frameworks.

[@truecerium4924]

It would have been important to mention how the connection between the EU and Switzerland has developed during the last 4 years: the EU is NOT renewing bilateral agreements (i.e. education and research, ERASMUS, Horizon etc.). Instead the EU insists on a general framework which has not to be renegotiated every couple of years and would force Switzerland to partake in areas she doesn´t want. Swiss are feeling pressured to join the EU which completely backfires.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

Exactly. Im sure it only increased anti EU sentiment. Let's see how it goes. I'm Swiss and personally I'm not optimistic. I just hope we can maintain until they fail and have no capacity to focus on us.

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

@@mysterioanonymous3206 I mean, i don't give a fuck about anti eu sentiment, eu does not get anything good from switzerland in this terms, so either we change it, or we don't want anything with you

[@nailil5722]

That's what happens when you only want the benefits and not deal with the struggles

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

@@nailil5722 your broad generalization leads me to believe that you don't understand the intricacies Switzerland is concerned about. There are legitimate, rather specific and also serious issues, but you wouldn't know anything about it, would you? It's also the reason negotiations have been halted. The proposed EU deal is simply unacceptable for Switzerland, which btw is by far the richest, most developed country in the EU. You'd better listen to what we have to say, your situation is dire enough and it's not Switzerlands fault, is it? EU is incompetent enough as is...

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

@@mysterioanonymous3206 eu should break every relation with the swiss current relationship only benefits switzwrland

[@lamebubblesflysohigh]

They pay "membership fee" and they accept EU legislation without having any say in making it. Basically members anyway.

[@loliko23]

and we actually has say in who we trade with and how we manage our resources, instead of letting a small ultra privilegded elite in brussels controll it

[@JeverCraftNL]

@@loliko23 You know that the "small ultra privileged elite" is democratically chosen, right?

[@MartimCorreia10]

​@@JeverCraftNLit's not, as a Portuguese I must say I hate brussels and what they represent. If you had studied more you would've known that Ursula is there because of scheme and not because she was chosen. Hell, we didn't even vote for a boring and non charismatic leader like her. I proudly say that she doesn't represent me as a European

[@JeverCraftNL]

@@MartimCorreia10 I very well know how the EU works. Just that you don't like this sort of indirect democracy that happens all across the democratic world, doesn't mean that it's not democratic. Apart from that, you most know that the president of the commission as is, doesn't have any power as such. It remains very much the case that all commissioners, MEPs and council members are in those positions because of election results, be it directly or indirectly, on national level or on European level.

[@loliko23]

sure they are, chosen by the party and then voted in by the poeple such democracy@@JeverCraftNL

[@NymuswalkerHD]

I think its a future necessity to take part in bigger forms of gouvernance such as EU and the UN... Trying to secure national interests by not cooperating with the world seems outdated to me... The future is cooperation and good political eystems just like the EU... I would join the EU everytime again. Even if it means losing some national sovereignity and benefits... Cheers from a german :)

[@mrantipatia1872]

This is the topic that interests me the most, thanks!

[@siomhaithwarren739]

No, we Swiss shall continue to vote against it. They just want our money! We're already too much meddled in foreign affairs that isn't any of our business nor obligation rather then to stay neutral and had to given up bank secrecy which was also a blow to the economy. Switzerland is already overpopulated due to Dublin-Schengen regulations which made also criminal tourism much easier.

[@stipostipo2051]

Jesus, your banks sucked up dirty and bloody money from all over the world, whitewashed the worst possible crime that happened in the world and financed your development with it, and you still have the audacity to complain about others. I hope karma finds you eventually.

[@user-sc5lb2pf8i]

Love Your own Nations,cultura is the beauty of creating peace and ❤

[@itchyfeet41]

A thoughtful and balanced delivery of facts, something which is lacking in many so called "information" videos which are just agenda filled propaganda, thank you.

[@user-tf5qr7fy2i]

There may be different reasons why to join a union with other countries or to avoid doing so. There was a time wheb Norway was still the largest kindom of Europe, prior to joining Denmark for what later is regarded to the 400- Year Night, which regarded with Norwegian eyes is a dark period. Who knows, it mightn't be by coincidence that Norway and Iceland (which also was former a part of the Kingdom of Norway), same as the case is for the now self-governing archipelago The Faroe Island (now under Denmark) have chosen to remain non-EU-members. Although the Faro Islands isn't independent (yet) it could be mentioned if talking about that Iceland and Norway are outside of the EU. During the centiries of being united with Denmark (or Denmark and Sweden), Norway lost much of its territory and got cut short in size as well as much of the natural resources escaping. The union with Denmark is referred to as the 400-årsnatten (meaning The 400-Year Night) which says a great deal about how it's looked upon. The five years of German occupation in the 1940s and what happened then just adds to story from the centries prior to this where Norway started out as an equal part of constellations with neighbouring countries who reduced us to a weaker part. Why would Norway want to enter the EU? Aren't we managing when we can arrange things our own way? What do you have to offer that we lack? Or is it the other way around that we have something to offer that you want to get hold of that we can't give you of our free will without being consumed? Such as fish, oil, minerals, woods. As an example, Norway has the worlds largest deposits of certain crucial minerals that is used for computers, phones, fertilizer etc that's sufficient to serve the entire world for the next 100 years. It's okay to co-operate with other nations, that we also should do, but there's no reason to let the history repeat itself all over again. Because we don't need to get even closer tied to Europe or any other country than we alruare to survive than we already are. We have as implemented a whole range of directives like the EU-members have. In addition of being a Nato member, we're a member of EEA and EFTA, which all together should be plenty enough and it doesn't differ that much really, but at least we can limit the greed of other nations to some extent when it comes to the wish of helping themselves to our resources on their own... Because there are conflicts and it proves why an EU application will not be sent from Norway any time soon, simply because EU is not what we need.

[@scratchedbycats]

Switzerland has such a great deal, I admire their management and actually see the future of the E.U in a Swiss model... to oversimplify the country if you think about it,ain't nothing but a scaled down version of the EU, 3 big ethnicities, 3 languages, 26 mostly independent and self governed cantoons, to put it short, as a confederacy, a union, a federation, they are the exemple to follow, you know being the one that actually worked and is a successful, prosperous, story, as oposed to...Yugoslavia ( obviously no offense, just a joke, but you get the gist)

[@hockneyfication]

*4 official languages.

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

I would prefer to die before letting everybody in europe to decide the politics

[@stuerzi1312]

A big factor why it works this well for us swiss is because our country is not that big.. direct democracy is very slow and the more people the longer it takes

[@chbonnhoff]

@@stuerzi1312 Not so sure that our model cannot be scaled up. Yes direct democracy may be slower but in case of an emergency this can be bypassed. The advantage about the slower direct d. process is that there is more consistency in changes. Check DE or USA. Every 4 to 8 years someone else gets the power and changes at their party will. In d.d. you cannot do such dramatic changes unless the people will allow it. Therefore the politicians are more looking for a consent. The voting in my opinion can be easily scaled up. Every community counts their votes and sends the result to the next higher level or directly to a central one. It will take a bit longer than in CH, maybe we will know the results 2 days later but it will work. The challenge in my opinion is the cultural difference we have in Europe. So what is good and works for Spain will maybe not work in Poland or Island and vis versa. So a federal European constitution would need a few ground rules / laws for all and a hight autonomy for each "state" aka country so they can decide what is best for them.

[@kapuzinergruft]

Switzerland was the only (also) German speaking country during WWll which opposed Hitler and gave refugees a safe haven.

[@kurtkesters6043]

they don't refuse to join, they have not applied. nobody is forcing them to do anything.

[@LarzGustafsson]

Long live Norway, Iceland and Switzerland! I salute you!

[@la7dfa]

If it was not for the fisheries I wish Norway would join. But we do not want to give away the fish for free, and we do not trust EU regulating our fisheries. But for the protection of democracy and peace NATO and the EU are extremely important for lasting peace and safety. Russia is a clear and present danger to all of Europe, and peace is worth 100 times more than a minor loss of local control of politics .

[@8818F]

NORWAY PLEASE NEVER JOIN THIS DEGENERATED EU CLUB

[@Muhayyo666]

@@la7dfawhy won’t EU just be ally with Russia ? Russia itself is bigger than Europe and there would be no conflicts if they were together

[@la7dfa]

@@Muhayyo666 Are you insane? Russia has chosen its path, and they will have to prove a radical and real change unless they want to become another DPRK.

[@prehistoriccreature1800]

imagine being swiss

[@larsbjrnson3101]

We Norwegians have resisted joining the EU because we have a long history of being in a union with Denmark and Sweden that was not advantageous for us. The term “union” still evokes negative feelings for us.

[@Purjo92]

If you are referring to the Kalmar Union that existed hundreds of years ago, that mentality is like hating modern-day liberal and democratic Germany because of Nazis. 😅

[@larsbjrnson3101]

@@Purjo92 It’s not as simple as that, because our history with Sweden didn’t end in 1523. We remained in a union with them until 1905, when we finally became a sovereign nation. Our most important national day is still the anniversary of our constitution, which we adopted in 1814. I also live near the site of one of the battles that secured our independence in 1905.

[@LasVegar]

​@@Purjo92 1. Norway 1050-1397 (110years civil war) 2. Kalamar union (union) 1397-1537 3. Denmark Norway (union) 1537-1814 4. Sweden Norway (union) 1814-1905 That's 508 years of bad unfair unions, 118years -5 Nazi occupation that's 113years of good independence

[@kut9682]

​​@@larsbjrnson3101Based af. Brother, preach. Stay away from this mess and spare yourself and your national sovereignty. (i'm an EU citizen myself)

[@larsbjrnson3101]

@@kut9682 My attitude towards the EU has changed since 1994, when we rejected joining it because of the term “union”. I was not well-informed about what it implied, but I think people have learned a lot from the consequences of Brexit. Maybe the younger generation will be more open to the EU than we were.

[@Coco762011]

The Federation of Malaysia formed in 1963 (comprising peninsula Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore) was similar to EU. Less than two years later, it was decided that Singapore should be excluded from the Federation. Singapore became an independent republic on 9 August 1965 and the rest, as they say, is history. What a great blessing in disguise.

[@NoobsDeSroobs]

As a norwegian citizen I would like to join a shared market with reduced trading fees and hinders. I do not want open borders, a currency that is tied to everyone else, laws forced down my throat that I do not agree with, or loss of ownership to the resources made available to this country.

[@grorgo519]

Swiss here, we don’t want to join EU since EU, as it’s today, is sh!t. In fact as stated in the video, the situation now is the best for everyone.