In addition to the Norwegian Embassy, the renovated Norway House also has several other tenants:  The regional offices of West Norway and South Norway, the Norwegian Customs and Excise Service, Hydro, Orkla, Statkraft and EBL (Norwegian Electricity Industry Association).

The opening address was presented by State Secretary Elisabeth Walaas [on behalf Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs].

She pointed to the fact that more that 6000 Norwegians visit Norway House every year. MPs, businesspeople, representatives of NGOs, schoolchildren, countrymen and -women from all walks of life. They know that Brussels is the centre of Europe.

And all our European partners, colleagues and MEPs will always be given a warm reception in this house. A piece of Norway in the capital of Europe, the State Secretary said.

Although Norway is not a member of the EU, we sometimes initiate discussions and contribute to setting the European agenda. We held a round table on renewable energy earlier today, and this morning I also spoke before a knowledgeable audience at the European Policy Centre. My topic was the High North, truly part of our common future. We are currently charting the future development of that vast, resource-rich area, which also offers front-row seats for observing the effects of climate change and the melting of the Arctic ice cap.

Norway also has a close partnership with the EU through the Agreement on the European Economic Area and related agreements. We contribute to social and economic cohesion in Europe, to the single market, and to foreign and security policy initiatives. We work side by side with our EU partners in Afghanistan, the Balkans and the Middle East.

- Today I have exchanged views on a number of issues with European Commission President Barroso. These talks once again confirm our common agenda and the large number of areas of common interest to Norway and the EU. Because today’s European challenges, indeed our global challenges, must be faced and dealt with together, Walaas said.

- May Norway House be a good place to work, an efficient meeting-place for all those who use it, and an inspiring venue for realising our European visions, Walaas concluded. 

(NRK/Press release)

Rolleiv Solholm