Delors expresses his disappointment over Norway
At a press conference on 29 November 1994, Jacques Delors expressed his disappointment at Norway's decision not to join the European Union. After the referendum on 28 November 1994 showed that 52.2% of Norwegians had rejected EU membership, Mr. Delors said he regretted the result because Norway could have contributed a great deal to the EU. However, as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway will still be able to participate in Community programmes and activities in the fields of research and technological development, the environment, and social policy. At the same press conference, Mr. Van der Broek shared Mr. Delors' disappointment but pointed out that the accession process for other countries does not need to be delayed as a result of Norway's refusal. The EEA arrangement will have to be re-evaluated due to the reduction in the number of members but its basic philosophy, vis-a-vis the remaining members (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), will remain the same.
Countries
Norway