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

Summary

This video explores why Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, despite their strong European ties, have chosen not to join the European Union. It delves into their historical attempts, economic concerns, and the desire to maintain national sovereignty and control over key industries like fisheries. The video also discusses their current agreements with the EU, such as the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area, and speculates on their likelihood of future EU membership, suggesting that while all enjoy close relations, joining is unlikely in the near future.

Takeaways

• 🇪🇺 The European Union (EU) consists of 27 member states, but not all European countries are part of it.
• 🏔️ Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland are three European countries that are not EU members despite their close ties to Europe.
• 🗳️ Norway has held two referendums on EU membership, in 1972 and 1994, both resulting in decisions to remain outside the EU.
• 🐟 Norway's desire to maintain control over its fisheries is a significant factor in its reluctance to join the EU and its Common Fisheries Policy.
• 🇮🇸 Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009 but the process stalled in 2013, with concerns over fisheries and national sovereignty playing a role.
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland has never been an EU member and has a strong tradition of neutrality and direct democracy, which conflicts with the EU's decision-making process.
• 🤝 All three countries are part of the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel but not automatically the right to work.
• 💼 Norway and Iceland are members of the European Economic Area (EEA), participating in the single market without full EU membership.
• 🇪🇪 Switzerland accesses the single market through bilateral agreements with the EU, avoiding full membership while maintaining economic ties.
• 🤔 None of the three countries are likely to join the EU soon, as they all have close relationships with the EU and enjoy the benefits of cooperation without full membership.

Q & A

Why is the European Union sometimes mistakenly thought to include all of Europe?

The European Union is often mistakenly thought to include all of Europe because its name suggests a connection to the entire continent. However, the EU only has 27 member states, and some European countries have chosen to remain outside of the Union.

Which three European countries are discussed in the script as not being part of the EU?

The three European countries discussed are Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.

What are the main reasons Norway has not joined the EU?

Norway has not joined the EU mainly due to concerns over the Common Fisheries Policy, which could impact its fisheries sector, and the desire to maintain control over its vast natural resources like oil and gas. Additionally, there are concerns about national sovereignty and the potential impact on the country's autonomy.

Why did Iceland's application to join the EU stall?

Iceland's application to join the EU stalled due to a change in government in 2013, which shifted the country's direction towards EU accession. Concerns about the Common Fisheries Policy and maintaining national sovereignty also played a role.

What is Switzerland's stance on joining the EU, and why?

Switzerland has traditionally shown limited interest in joining the EU. The Swiss electorate rejected an application to join the European Economic Area in a 1992 referendum, and a 2018 survey found that only 3% considered joining the EU a possibility. Reasons include a commitment to neutrality, unique political and economic circumstances, and a system of direct democracy that conflicts with ceding decision-making power to Brussels.

How do the three countries maintain close ties with the EU without being members?

All three countries are part of the Schengen Area, and Iceland and Norway are members of the European Economic Area (EEA), which allows them to participate in the single market. Switzerland accesses parts of the single market through bilateral agreements with the EU. All three, along with Liechtenstein, are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

What is the European Economic Area (EEA), and why is it significant for Iceland and Norway?

The European Economic Area (EEA) is an agreement that allows its members, including Iceland and Norway, to participate in the single market. This means they have to contribute to the EU budget and adopt certain EU laws without having direct representation in the European Parliament. It is significant as it allows them economic integration without full EU membership.

What is the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and which of the discussed countries are members?

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an organization that promotes free trade and economic integration among its members and with other countries. Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are the current members of EFTA among the discussed countries.

What are the potential impacts of EU membership on a country's control over its own currency?

EU membership could impact a country's control over its own currency as it may need to adopt the euro, which is the official currency of most EU member states. This could limit the country's monetary policy autonomy.

Which of the three countries is considered the most likely to join the EU in the future, and why?

Iceland is considered the most likely to join the EU among the three countries. It is already a part of the EEA, has close ties to the EU, and the economic stability offered by the Union was recognized during the 2009 recession. Additionally, geopolitical events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine have influenced public sentiment towards solidarity with European neighbors.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Geographical Overview of Non-EU European Countries

This paragraph introduces three European countries that are not part of the European Union (EU) despite their close ties to Europe: Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. It provides a geographical overview of each country, highlighting their unique locations and relationships with EU member states. Norway is situated at the top of the Scandinavian Peninsula with access to significant water bodies and borders EU members Finland and Sweden. Iceland, the most isolated, is far from the nearest EU country, Ireland, and is not often included in European maps. Switzerland, known for its central European location, is surrounded by EU countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. The paragraph sets the stage for exploring each country's relationship with the EU and the reasons behind their decision not to join.

05:03

🔍 Reasons and Relationships with the EU

This paragraph delves into the reasons why Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland have chosen not to join the EU, despite their European identities. It discusses Norway's historical attempts to join, which were influenced by the UK's application and the eventual negative outcome of referendums held in 1972 and 1994. Key concerns for Norway include maintaining control over its fisheries and natural resources, as well as national sovereignty. Iceland's application to join the EU in 2009 was halted due to a change in government and concerns over fisheries and national sovereignty. Switzerland has shown little interest in joining the EU, with a 1992 referendum rejecting the idea of joining the European Economic Area. The Swiss value their direct democracy and have secured many benefits of the single market through bilateral agreements without full membership. The paragraph also outlines the current agreements these countries have with the EU, such as being part of the Schengen Area and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and speculates on their likelihood of joining the EU in the future, suggesting that while it's possible for Iceland, it's unlikely for Switzerland and Norway in the near term.

Keywords

💡European Union (EU)

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that operates to promote peace, stability, and prosperity within the region. In the video, the EU is central to the discussion as it explores why certain European countries, like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, have chosen not to join despite their close ties to the continent. The EU's Common Fisheries Policy and its impact on national sovereignty are highlighted as key factors influencing these countries' decisions.

💡Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other border controls at their mutual borders. It facilitates passport-free travel and is mentioned in the video as a way in which non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland maintain close ties with the EU. Despite not being EU members, these countries are part of the Schengen Area, indicating their commitment to open borders within Europe.

💡Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)

The Common Fisheries Policy is an EU policy that regulates the fishing industry within the member states' waters. It is a significant point of discussion in the video as it affects the fishing industries of Norway and Iceland, which are major economic sectors for these countries. The policy allows EU countries to fish in each other's waters with strict rules, which has been a deterrent for these nations to join the EU as they wish to maintain control over their fisheries.

💡European Economic Area (EEA)

The European Economic Area is an agreement that allows for the free movement of persons, goods, services, and capital within the EU's single market, as well as between the EU and the EEA's non-EU members. Norway and Iceland are part of the EEA, which is discussed in the video as a way for these countries to participate in the single market without being full EU members. This provides them with economic benefits while preserving some degree of autonomy.

💡European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

The European Free Trade Association is an intergovernmental organization set up for the purpose of promoting free trade and economic integration to its member countries. The video mentions EFTA as an alternative to the EU, with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein as its current members. EFTA allows for free trade among its members and cooperation with the EU, which is a significant aspect of the economic relationships these countries have with Europe.

💡National Sovereignty

National sovereignty refers to the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from outside sources or bodies. In the video, concerns about ceding aspects of national sovereignty to the EU are cited as a reason why countries like Norway and Iceland have hesitated to join the EU. The desire to maintain control over their own policies and laws is a key factor in their decisions.

💡Referendum

A referendum is a direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal. The video discusses how Norway has held referendums on EU membership, both in 1972 and 1994, where the populace voted against joining. Referendums are a way for countries to gauge public opinion and make decisions on significant issues such as EU membership.

💡Bilateral Agreements

Bilateral agreements are treaties between two countries that define the rules and regulations for various types of transactions or interactions. Switzerland, as mentioned in the video, has a series of bilateral agreements with the EU that allow it access to parts of the single market without full membership. These agreements are seen as beneficial for Switzerland as they provide economic advantages while maintaining the country's autonomy.

💡Neutrality

Neutrality in international relations means not taking sides in conflicts or wars. Switzerland's commitment to neutrality is highlighted in the video as a significant reason for its reluctance to join the EU. The country's policy of neutrality is deeply ingrained, and joining the EU could potentially compromise this stance, which is a key part of its national identity.

💡Direct Democracy

Direct democracy is a form of democracy in which citizens directly decide policy as opposed to through their representatives. The video explains that Switzerland's system of direct democracy, where key decisions are often put to public referendums, makes ceding decision-making power to the EU problematic. This political system is a factor in why Switzerland has not pursued EU membership.

Highlights

The European Union has 27 member states, but not all European countries are part of it.

Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland are three European countries that are not part of the EU.

Norway's geographical position at the top of the Scandinavian Peninsula with access to the North Sea and the Arctic Circle.

Iceland is the most isolated European nation, with Ireland as its closest EU neighbor over 1,400 kilometers away.

Switzerland is centrally located in Europe, surrounded by EU member states like France, Germany, Italy, and Austria.

Norway has held two referendums, both resulting in decisions against joining the EU.

Fisheries are a significant economic sector for Norway, and joining the EU would require adherence to the Common Fisheries Policy.

Norway's oil and gas resources are a concern for some who fear EU membership could impact their management.

National sovereignty is a concern for Norwegians, with many cautious about ceding control to the EU.

Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009 following a financial crisis but later stalled due to a change in government.

Iceland's fishing industry, like Norway's, is a key concern regarding potential disruptions under the EU's policy.

Switzerland has shown little interest in EU membership, with only 3% considering it a possibility in a 2018 survey.

Switzerland's direct democracy system makes ceding decision-making power to Brussels problematic.

Switzerland has bilateral agreements with the EU, allowing for economic collaboration while preserving autonomy.

All three countries are part of the Schengen Area, facilitating passport-free travel.

Iceland and Norway are members of the European Economic Area, participating in the single market.

Switzerland accesses the single market through bilateral agreements, not full EU membership.

The three countries, along with Liechtenstein, are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

None of the three countries are expected to join the EU soon, with Switzerland being the least likely.

Iceland might be the most likely to join the EU of the three, given its close ties and past economic considerations.

Transcripts

When someone says “EU”, many first think of  Europe. But this isn’t entirely accurate!  

The European Union has only twenty-seven member  states, and even though some European countries  

have long, rich histories with their  EU cousins, they’ve decided to remain  

outside of the Union. This is the case of  Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. But why  

are these three countries, so closely linked to  a shared European identity, not part of the EU?

As always, let’s take a look at where  these three countries are on the map.

First up is Norway. This Nordic nation sits  right at the top of the Scandinavian Peninsula,  

with direct access to the  North Sea, the Arctic Circle,  

and the mouth of the Baltic Sea. Norway  borders two EU members - Finland and Sweden.

Second is Iceland. Iceland is by far the  most isolated of the European nations,  

with many map makers sadly forgetting  to include it in their sketches of the  

continent. The closest EU neighbour is  Ireland, over 1,400 kilometres away.

Last but not least is Switzerland. This is the  country that many forget isn’t part of the EU,  

as it sits at the heart of the continent and  is surrounded by central EU states - France,  

Germany, Italy, and Austria all share  a border with this Alpine haven.

Let’s take a look at each one’s relationship with  the Union and why they’ve decided not to join.

Norway has made attempts to join the EU on two  notable occasions. Initially, the country applied  

to join what was then called the European  Economic Community (EEC) in 1962. However,  

when France, under President Charles de Gaulle,  vetoed the UK's application to join the EEC in  

1963 and 1967, Norway's bid was indirectly  affected. Since Norway's application was  

contingent on UK membership, along with  the applications of Denmark and Ireland,  

Norway decided to suspend its application both  times. Eventually, negotiations successfully  

concluded in 1972, leading to a referendum  where the Norwegian people voted against  

joining. A subsequent referendum in 1994 also  saw Norwegians voting against EU membership,  

albeit by a closer margin. Since then, Norway  has not actively pursued full membership.

Several factors contribute to Norway's  hesitation to join the EU: The big problem  

is Fish. Norway places significant emphasis on  maintaining control over its fisheries sector,  

which is a vital part of its economy. If Norway  were to join the EU, it would have to follow  

the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This  policy would allow other EU countries to fish  

in Norwegian waters, albeit with strict rules.  Additionally, Norway would be subject to the  

EU’s Total Allowable Catches system, designed  for the sustainable management of fish stocks,  

which might differ from Norway's  preferred management practices.

There are also economic concerns beyond  fisheries: Norway's vast natural resources,  

especially oil and gas, play a pivotal  role in its economy. Some Norwegians  

are concerned that EU membership might impact  the country's autonomy over these resources.

Then there is National Sovereignty:  Many Norwegians are cautious about  

ceding aspects of their sovereignty to Brussels  and the broader EU administrative structure.

So what about Iceland?

Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009,  in the aftermath of the financial crisis,  

with many believing that membership might  offer greater economic stability. However,  

with a change in government in 2013,  

the country's direction toward EU accession  shifted, and the application process stalled.

Central to Iceland's hesitation, similar to  Norway, is the desire to protect its vital fishing  

industry from potential disruptions under the  EU's Common Fisheries Policy. Beyond fisheries,  

concerns about maintaining national  sovereignty, potential impacts on the  

small but protected agricultural sector,  and the advantages of having control over  

their own currency have also influenced the  debate. While Icelanders have never voted in  

a referendum specifically on EU membership,  public sentiment has shifted over time,  

influenced by both domestic and international  events, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finally, we come to Switzerland.

The Swiss people have traditionally shown limited  interest in joining the EU. In the early 1990s,  

the government did pursue an application to join  

the European Economic Area (EEA) — a  stepping stone to EU membership — but  

after a rejection by the Swiss electorate in  a 1992 referendum, this effort was suspended.

In fact, in 2018, a survey found that only 3%  even considered joining the EU a possibility. This  

reluctance stems not just from their commitment  to neutrality but also from their unique political  

and economic circumstances. Switzerland's system  of direct democracy, where key decisions are often  

put to public referendums, makes ceding any  decision-making power to Brussels problematic.

Over the years, Switzerland has negotiated a  series of bilateral agreements with the EU,  

granting them many of the benefits of the  single market without the perceived drawbacks  

of full membership. These agreements, for many in  Switzerland, represent the 'best of both worlds.'  

They allow for economic collaboration while  preserving Swiss autonomy. For example, the  

Swiss cherish their financial autonomy, especially  given the country's status as a global banking and  

financial hub. Thus, concerns about EU regulations  potentially affecting this sector play a role.

And no, unlike some of their Nordic  neighbours, the Swiss reservations  

aren't about protecting a fishing industry.  After all, fish are pretty safe in the Alps!

But what about now? What agreements do these  countries have with the EU in the modern day?

None of the three countries  are technically part of the EU,  

but they're closely tied in various ways. All  three countries are part of the Schengen Area,  

facilitating passport-free  travel across borders. However,  

this doesn't automatically grant the right to  work; additional permissions might be required.

Both Iceland and Norway are members of the  European Economic Area (EEA), which allows  

them to participate in the single market. This  means they have to contribute to the EU budget,  

adopt certain EU laws without having direct  representation in the European Parliament,  

and are exempt from some EU policies  – notably in areas such as fishing.

Switzerland, on the other hand, accesses parts of  

the single market through a series  of bilateral agreements with the EU.

All three, along with Liechtenstein, are members  of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).  

Founded in 1960 as an alternative to  the then European Economic Community,  

which later evolved into the EU, the EFTA aimed  to promote free trade and economic integration.

The original members included Denmark,  Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria,  

the UK, and later, Portugal joined the  fold. Today, only four members remain:  

Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.

EFTA promotes free trade among its members and  with other countries, and its members cooperate  

closely with the EU, ensuring smooth  trade and collaboration across Europe.

So, the big question is:  

which one of these three countries is  most likely to join the European Union?

We don’t believe any of these three countries  will join the EU any time soon, but we know for  

sure that Switzerland isn’t keen on the idea at  all. Public opinion on joining is incredibly low,  

and the country’s dedication to neutrality  is simply too fierce. It would take a string  

of massive geopolitical events to sway  the Swiss people over to a pro-EU side.

Overall, Iceland is probably the most likely  to join of the three. As it’s already a part  

of the EEA, it has close ties to the EU, and a  decisive referendum on joining has never been  

held. The 2009 recession also showed the Icelandic  people the value the EU’s economic Union offered,  

and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has many looking  to their European neighbours for solidarity.

Still, we see no big reason for any of  these countries to join at the moment!  

They all enjoy close relations with the  EU, take part in many of its agreements,  

and contribute in their own way to the  European project. The European Union  

has bigger fish to fry, and these three  are already strong allies as it stands.

Do you think these countries should join the  EU? Or would you rather they stay outside  

for now? Let us know your thoughts in  the comments! If you enjoy short and  

informative videos about the EU, then please  subscribe and like the video. Until next time.