Karasjok

Defying some of the airport snag, I spent a day and a half in Karasjok for a series of meetings in the framework of the regular dialogue we have with representatives of the Sami people. I was received by Mr Egil Olli, President of the Sami Parliament and I had meetings with representatives of the Sami Council, of Finnmarkseiendommen, of Landsorganisation Sami Duodji as well as with reindeer herders and salmon fishermen. I also gave an interview to NRK.

This journey to Finnmark served one purpose: to understand better how things look like from the Karasjok angle and convey this picture to Brussels. So I went there to see, to listen and to learn.

Finnmark is about sustaining traditions in vast spaces and extraordinary circumstances. Nevertheless, many of the EU's policies and decisions have an impact also there, either through their incorporation into Norwegian law or due to intense cooperation with the neighbouring territories of EU members Finland and Sweden.

Specific issues treated during my visit included marketing of reindeer meat and duodji products, fisheries management and protection of the environment. We discussed the EU's Arctic Policy, its contribution to cooperation and application for observer status in the Arctic Council. We talked about the Sami Parliament's project to develop the Sami language - which gets significant EU financial support. With Mr Olli, we also spoke about the plan to convoke a world conference of indigenous peoples under the auspices of the United Nations in 2014.

EEA Anniversary – Internal Market

In May we've had several events in Oslo and Brussels marking the 20^th anniversary of the signing of the EEA Agreement; although I know these might have been somewhat overshadowed by other news related to the EU. 

Therefore it is even more important for me to highlight the excellent conference organised by NUPI, dedicated to the occasion. This brought about a discussion not only dealing with the impact of the EEA but also with its future (in light of the report "Inside and outside"). When it comes to the EU Delegation, we have dedicated part of this year's Europe Day celebration to the EEA. Furthermore, the EEA Council, held 14 May, noted the 20th anniversary and recognised the value of the Agreement as a durable instrument ensuring the smooth functioning of the EEA. 

As you know, the EEA Agreement provides for the full participation of Norway and of the other EEA EFTA countries in the internal market. So it is very pertinent to note that later this year we'll mark another 20^th anniversary: that of the establishment of the internal market. This will be an occasion for us to analyse how the internal market has influenced the evolution of our economies and also the potential of further developing this market. Doing so will have particular importance in the present circumstances, when the EU's primary aim is to promote growth by (among other means) progressing towards completing the internal market. The Delegation will inform about its related plans (concerning events in Oslo) soon.

Bergen Cultural Festival

Last week I had the pleasure and the honour to attend the opening of the Bergen Cultural Festival at the invitation of Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja. I did so together with many diplomats, colleagues and members of the Oslo Diplomatic Corps.

 I am sure many of you have seen on the spot or on the TV screens at least part of the event and of the performances. The Festival is a high quality event, demonstrating once again the important place Norway occupies on the European cultural scene.

What made the day spent in Bergen even more exceptional was the high temperature and the radiant sunshine. The city is always beautiful, be it rain or snowfall. But I've never seen it so splendid, feeling its spirit so close to me as I did in the afternoon, walking around, looking at people enjoying the beauty of the moment and of the place. I confess I even could not resist just to linger on a terrace, taking a beer and just observing the scene - before the evening came and also the time for me to take my flight back to Oslo.

In memoriam Otto von Habsburg

I can't avoid putting into words my grief felt over the passing away of Otto von Habsburg, a great European. Born in 1912 into one of the most ancient and powerful royal families in Europe, he shaped history through many decades long after the disappearance of his native Austro-Hungarian Empire. Otto von Habsburg understood from the very early days the perspective and the benefits of European integration. He was a long-serving member of the European Parliament and a champion of the reunification of our continent, so eloquent in so many languages.

I had the privilege of meeting Otto von Habsburg several times both in Belgium and Hungary, always benefiting from his uniquely deep understanding of Europe's past and present. As President Barroso has written, "Otto von Habsburg's commitment to Europe should set a political example for all of us, especially in difficult times."

Nuuk - Greenland

Recently I've travelled to Greenland to represent the European Union at the Foreign Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council. One day (three flights) to get there, another day (once again three flights) to come back to Oslo. Light snowfall and freezing temperatures in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. I learn to appreciate more the warm or even the cool and rainy Norwegian spring.

I wonder if Nuuk has ever seen so many foreign leaders being there at the same time, including Hillary Clinton, Serguey Lavrov and Jonas Gahr Støre. Times are changing and the Arctic even more.

As I've pointed out also in Nuuk, the European Union is a major contributor to protecting the environment in the Arctic region. It is also one of the strongest forces promoting global efforts combating climate change, so important for the future of the Arctic. Some years ago, the EU applied for observer status in the Arctic Council to contribute to Arctic cooperation in a more structured manner.

Ministers of the eight members of the Council could not agree on admitting observers this time either, although in Nuuk they adopted a respective procedure and agreed to a timeline. This is part of a package to upgrade and strengthen the Arctic Council. The EU will study now in detail the implications of the Nuuk decisions to form its own judgment and outline the way forward.

It has been agreed in Nuuk that the new Arctic Council Permanent Secretariat will be located in Tromsø. I have already had the possibility to congratulate Norway on this. The decision might have implications also for the EU Delegation in Norway, which might become the contact point for doing business with the Arctic Council.

Back to school

Last week I made a short visit to Budapest, my hometown, taking part in the programme of the European Commission called "Back to school". Before you ask: it is not the Commission (or the EU as a whole) who go "back to school". In this programme we, EU officials visit our ancient high school (where we had studied) to speak about our personal experience of working for the EU. This is also an excellent occasion for presenting our own vision on how the EU will influence the life of future generations.

Remembering old times and the "your past-my future" equation cast nostalgic glitter on ex-student appearances. Some inevitably become genuinely human get-togethers which make a lasting impression. Therefore the "Back to school" programme is a valuable tool to bring the EU closer to our young citizens.

During our lively discussion in Budapest, a large group of Hungarian students have agreed that the European Union made our continent (and the world) a much better place. It is clear that most students are enthusiastic supporters of freedom and solidarity. They agree with all the main "historical" objectives of the European project. Many of them also understand that a united Europe will have better chance to prevail in the age of globalisation.

Nevertheless, this is not the main notion I take back from Budapest. What will reverberate more than anything else is that in the eyes of young people the "classic" achievements of the EU are becoming old (and fading) laurels. The issue that really matters is what the EU can do in and for the future. Moreover, students have many doubts and (quite rightly) ask a lot of questions, induced by news about the economic crisis and difficulties in the EU cooperation. During our discussion I had no problems admitting that there were no clear answers to many of these queries. I told the students that some of the answers would have to be given by them and asked them to formulate suggestions. It was good to see that in those proposals the EU was an essential component of the solution.

The International Women's Day

Today we mark the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day. In the whole world this is an important day. The EU has a strong focus on gender equality, both at home and abroad. If you are interested in what the EU is doing you can find my article published in today's Nationen here.