I am reading in the papers that according to the latest public opinion polls slightly more than 30 % of Norwegians support EU membership, meanwhile around 60 % oppose it.
These figures are there for some months already. They are important indicators. They deserve serious analysis that goes well beyond the frames of this blog and of my reach.
Paal Frisvold, leader of the European Movement stated to the press in this respect that one of the reasons for these figures might be that the EU (and the important benefits it brings) is not sufficiently known in Norway.
I agree that this is an important aspect. As a matter of fact it can be dealt with separated from the membership issue. (There might be many people who recognise the merits of the EU in general, but still do not want Norwegian membership).
After having spent more than one year in Oslo, I do not cease to be impressed by the massive EU interest among people in general and their genuine wish to learn about it and understand it better. Most Norwegians recognise that in the past the EU has been crucial in transforming Europe in a way which is very positive – also for Norway. Many also believe that bringing closer our nations in Europe is the only possibility if we want to face global challenges. So (according to many and interpreted with some simplification) the EU played an essential positive role in the past, will be part of the solution in the future, but might not be good enough right now.
Why has this view become relatively widespread? The economic and financial crisis has had its impact, as (hopefully) EU efforts to overcome it will also be recognised as they unfold. It is also true that everyday news (by its nature) tends to point out shortcomings, difficulties and mishaps. Nevertheless, we should not allow that the EU trees (there are many) hide the EU forest.
But I know there might be many differing positions and not everybody thinks about this issue as I do. I would be very interested to having your views on the matter.
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János Herman:
SvarSlettJeg har alltid hatt et positivt syn på EU og ønsker Norge inn i EU!
Men jeg begynner å bli skeptisk. Jeg ser med bekymring på EUs vilje til å i massivt omfang tvangslagre borgeres bevegelser, nettverk og kommunikasjonsvaner. Dette er tiltak som jeg ikke klarer å forsone meg med, selvom jeg ser at tiltakene har gode intensjoner (kriminalitetsbekjempelse). Jeg tenker altså på Datalagringsdirektivet. Slik det fremstår i dag, bryter dette direktivet med så viktige og grunnleggende prinsipper at jeg synes det er i ferd med å ødelegge mitt syn på EU. Som du kjenner til viser også Europa-parlamentet tendenser (flertall) til å ville trekke denne utviklingen enda lenger i forhold til å lagre innholdsdata. Så lenge det er slike krefter i EU, og så lenge EU viser vilje til å gå så langt i sin kriminalitetsbekjempelse, må jeg innrømme at jeg blir skeptisk. Jeg tror og håper vi i fremtiden vil se tilbake, med forundring, på den tid da et sivilisert Eurpoa startet med tvangslagring av menneskers kommunikasjon , deres bevegelser og nettverk.
Mvh Christian Elind, jurist/advokat fra Ås
János Herman
SvarSlettIm my previous comment I forgot to say:
1) I hope you forgive me for not writing in english. My english is not good enough!
2)My comment was also partially a comment to your interview in Aftenposten today (24.nov.2010).
Best Regards Christian Elind
I have just read with a lot of interest your message on my comments on "Norwegians interested in the EU" as well as on my recent interview concerning the Data Retention Directive. I understand and respect your viewpoint. The Data Retention Directive raises complex questions and fuels discussions which go on in many EU countries as well as in Norway. In this country it is only for you and for all the other Norwegians to carry this debate forward.
SvarSlettWhat can I add to the above? Perhaps only one or two facts, responding to your specific remarks. First, there is no danger whatsoever that under the DRD the content of the communications would be retained. Second, registration and retention of data are not new at all, they exist already in all countries concerned. Third, the DRD (though providing a uniform framework) leaves ample space for national legislation to establish the right balance between protecting the privacy of citizens and fighting organised crime. I think these two goals do not exclude each other.
I thank you for your message. Blogs rarely solve the trouble of the real world. But I hope that my response will be of help for you not to become sceptical to the EU. If I can strike a personal cord, neither you nor the EU would deserve it."