Britain Advised By Norway and Italy To Stay Put in European Union: Setback For Supporters of Norway Model

Norway has advised Britain that its desire to withdraw from the European Union is fraught with risks and will be self injurious and undermine its own security in the west and end up as a passive follower of EU laws. The statement, made by a Norwegin minister looks like a setback for anti-EU campaigners in the U.K., who often point to Norway as the role model is operating outside Brussels' control.

Vidar Helgesen, Norway's minister for European Union affairs said the reality with Norway vis a vis European Union is much more complicated. “Europe is in a dire security situation now, if you look eastwards and southwards. I believe Britain has a lot of muscle and lot of input in European debates. With that perspective, I think Britain is the only truly global power in Europe.” However, he said it is a myth that Britain would escape all its "red tape" and effects of the laws from Brussels even after it leaves European Union.

Brexit and Security

Citing his own country’s experience, Helgesen said, "We import three quarters of European Union legislation with virtually no say in the decision making process. It's a very good solution for our economy -- some argue it's not necessarily a good solution for our democracy but it's based on a popular decision not to join the European Union," the minister told Sky News in an interview. Norway is part of the European Economic Area with right of free trade within Europe. Supporters of Brexit often advocate the U.K. to follow the Norwegians for a European free trade area while saying good bye to Europen Union bloc.

Norway, the minister observed, since Napoleonic times, had been tied to Britain on security and is concerned that the U.K.'s withdrawal from European Union would risk security, especially in the face of an aggressive Russia. Reiterating his stand for a pro-European argument, the minister hoped the U.K. will stay in Europe and Prime Minister David Cameron’s talks with various EU states will pave way for drastic reforms.

In his view, as Europe faces more global competition, Britain has a lot to bring in terms of clearing up European competitiveness. Helgesen said it is unthinkable to have important discussions in the European Union on European security without Britain being at the table.

Italy’s Stand

Meanwhile, Italy also came out favouring Britain’s stay in the European Union and said that Eeuropean Union without Britain would be "impossible" to imagine. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi made these remarks after his talks with Prime Minister David Cameron about reshaping Britain's EU ties before the U.K. proceeds for an in-out membership referendum.

“For us it is a priority (that) the U.K. can continue to work inside the European Union because a European Union without the U.K. is impossible," Renzi said, after meeting Mr Cameron in Milan.

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