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.