Norway to join EU if trade deal with 'Israel' is suspended
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Norway signals EU alignment as pressure grows over the war on Gaza and illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank.
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Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide speaks during a meeting of foreign ministers and state secretaries from the Nordic-Baltic Eight, in Chisinau, Moldova, Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024 (AP)
Norway has indicated that it will follow in the footsteps of the European Union if the bloc proceeds with suspending its trade agreement with "Israel", a move being considered in response to "Israel's" ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this week proposed a partial suspension of the EU-"Israel" Association Agreement. The plan includes halting most bilateral payments, with exceptions for limited civil projects, such as support for the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Von der Leyen stressed that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, and inflammatory rhetoric by extremist Israeli ministers have made continued trade relations “unacceptable".
Several member states, including Ireland, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, have publicly backed the suspension, though full adoption requires approval by a qualified majority, a hurdle due to opposition from Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
Norway signals alignment
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told local media that Oslo would “in all likelihood follow suit” if Brussels enforces the suspension. “We have never been against sanctions and measures, but we believe this must be done together with other countries,” he said, emphasizing Norway’s tradition of coordinating closely with EU policy.
Though not an EU member, Norway often aligns with the bloc’s foreign policy decisions. In recent months, Oslo has strongly condemned "Israel’s" conduct in Gaza, accusing it of violating international humanitarian law by obstructing aid deliveries and starving the civilian population.
Beyond signaling readiness to suspend trade, Norway has already taken steps to isolate "Israel". Its sovereign wealth fund divested from several Israeli firms linked to settlement activities and military operations in Gaza. Oslo has also increased humanitarian efforts, including evacuating wounded Palestinians for treatment and channeling additional funds to relief operations.
