Non-EU Norway 'almost as integrated in union as UK'
In an analysis of Oslo's membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) the report says it is "an illusion" to consider Norway as outside the EU. Membership of the EEA gives Norway access to the EU's single market.
In a comprehensive analysis of Norway's 20 years in the European Economic Area, the report - "Outside and Inside" - finds deep implications for Norway's society, economy and democracy.
While it sees the economic benefits as largely positive, the report expresses concern at the political consequences as Norway is bound, in practice, to adopt EU policies "without voting rights".
Mr Sejersted calls this a "great democratic deficit... but this is a kind of national compromise since Norway decided it did not want to join the EU".
Norway signed up to a plethora of other EU agreements beyond the EEA, covering borders, immigration, foreign policy, agriculture, police co-operation and much else.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16594370
Interesting that a country like Norway that does not belong to the EU has decided to be as integrated with the rest of the continent as those countries that are in the EU. That's almost inevitable with open borders to trade, immigration and investment with other European countries.
Sounds like the "great democratic deficit" is that Norway abides by EU policies on "borders, immigration, foreign policy, agriculture, police co-operation and much else", but does not get a vote in the EU on these policies.
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