Norway is one of Europe’s richest countries. It is surrounded by EU members, trades heavily with the EU, participates in Schengen and has access to the European Single Market. So why has Norway repeatedly said NO to joining the European Union? The answer goes back more than 50 years. Norway held its first referendum on joining the European Community in 1972. The result? 53.5% voted against membership. Then came another referendum in 1994. Again, Norway said NO — this time by 52.2%. And the reasons are surprisingly practical. First: sovereignty. Norwegians have traditionally been protective of their ability to make decisions independently. Joining the EU would mean transferring certain powers to European institutions and accepting common EU policies. But Norway has found an unusual alternative. Through the European Economic Area, Norway has access to the EU Single Market. This allows Norwegian businesses to trade freely across much of Europe and gives citizens rights connected to the free movement of people. Norway is also part of Schengen. Yet it remains outside the EU. This means Norway gets extremely close economic integration with Europe without becoming an EU member. And this arrangement matters particularly for two industries. Fisheries are a major issue. Norway has enormous marine resources and one of Europe’s most important fishing industries. EU membership would bring Norway into the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, meaning some decisions over Norwegian waters would be made within the EU framework. Agriculture is another sensitive area. Outside the EU, Norway can maintain its own agricultural policies rather than joining the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. Then there is oil and gas. Norway is one of Europe’s largest energy suppliers. Its economy has benefited enormously from its natural resources, and many Norwegians are reluctant to give up additional control over national economic and resource policies. But there is a huge paradox. Norway is outside the EU — while being deeply integrated with it. The EU is Norway’s biggest trading partner, and Norway depends heavily on access to the European market. At the same time, European countries depend on Norway for energy, seafood and other products. Critics of the current system point out one major problem: Norway adopts many EU Single Market rules without having a vote in the European Parliament or the EU institutions that create those rules. Supporters of EU membership therefore argue: “If Norway has to follow many European rules anyway, why not have a seat at the table?” Opponents answer: “Why join the EU if Norway can trade with Europe and cooperate with European countries without giving up additional control?” And that is essentially the Norwegian dilemma. Norway has chosen a middle ground: deeply connected to Europe economically and politically, but outside the European Union itself. Two referendums produced two NO votes. And for now, Norway seems perfectly comfortable staying in this unusual position. Would you vote YES or NO if you were Norwegian? - @the__bias