Norway House, Brussels: Opening speech
President of the European Parliament Mr Pöttering,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today, we officially open Norway House in Brussels. Technically speaking, it is a reopening. The house itself has been inhabited by the mission of Norway to the EU and our bilateral embassy since 1970, two years before Norway’s first membership referendum. Over the last two years, the mission has been located on the other side of the Schuman circle, next door to the Council. Now, it is again virtually on the doorstep of the Commission.
The EU has been at the fore-front of peace and prosperity in Europe since its creation. Both its enlargement and neighbourhood strategy have brought the European community together and may be the organisation’s greatest continuous achievement. This is a strategy Norway supports. Although we have chosen not to be a member of the European Union, we are a part of Europe – and being European is important for Norwegians’ identity. We participate closely with the EU in most policy fields. Norway is an associate member of the Schengen cooperation; we take part in a broad range of European civilian and military operations. Through the European Economic Area Agreement, we have access to the opportunities presented by the internal market. And through the EEA grants, we contribute in return, supporting the new EU members to achieve greater political and economic strength.
Earlier today, I had the pleasure of meeting with President of the Commission, Mr. Barroso, President of the European Parliament, Mr. Pöttering, as well as the Council. We see eye to eye on a wide range of issues, and it is evident that Norway and our EU neighbours share the same social and democratic values even if we are differently positioned.
Norway House is home to various other Norwegian players than our mission to the EU. In addition to the Norwegian embassy to Belgium, the regional offices of West Norway and South Norway, the Norwegian Customs and Excise Service are located here – as well as the private businesses of Hydro, Orkla, Statkraft and EBL. The house itself is designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Hille Melbye. The inside has equally been shaped by a Norwegian interior architect. The young design group Norway Says is well represented here with sofas, chairs and lamps. I sincerely hope and think Norway has added an aesthetically rewarding feature to the visual landscape of the Schuman Quarter’s bureaucratic hustle and bustle.
It is an essential goal for Norwegian European policy to involve a wide range of actors to interact with the larger European community. The Norwegian delegation welcomes more than 5000 visitors annually. They give briefings to political representatives and school classes.
In this way, Norway House forms essential links between Norway and the rest of Europe on a citizen level.
I am pleased to declare Norway House officially open. Thank you for your attention.