During their stay for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, the EU leaders discussed the economic situation in Europe, at a working lunch hosted by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.
In his opening speech, Prime Minister Stoltenberg said Europe is experiencing the worst economic crisis in modern times:
- The EU and the euro area are under economic pressure. The European countries are implementing tough measures to stabilise their economies. It is also essential for Norway that there is a well-functioning economy in Europe, our most important export market,” said Mr Stoltenberg.
Some 20 participants from the EU, mainly heads of state and government, will attend the working lunch.
- “The EU has taken some important steps to improve the situation. Institutions have been reformed and policies changed. But structural changes are still urgently needed. I look forward to discussing these important issues with the EU leaders,” said Mr Stoltenberg.
He said that although Norway is not a member of the European Union, we are part of the European economy.
- Norway is a small open economy, a close neighbour to the EU, and a member of the Internal Market. 80 per cent of our export goes to the EU. We are therefore very much affected by developments in Europe.
- The future of Europe is the future of Norway.
- The Norwegian Government and private companies are long-term investors in the European market.
- We too need to see renewed growth in the EU.
- We have stimulated our own growth by reforming the pension system, renewing the public sector, investing in education – and helping more women to enter the labour market.
- These reforms have been based on social dialogue.
- I am convinced that the current crisis also will make the EU and European integration stronger and more effective, the Norwegian Prime Minister said.
Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås says Norway is the first country in the world to review its loans to developing countries, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on foreign debt and human rights.
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