Why do fisheries and oil affect Norway’s debate about European Union membership?

Fisheries and oil are central to the debate over Norway’s potential European Union membership because they are vital economic sectors that many Norwegians fear would be compromised by joining the bloc.1

• Fisheries: Membership would require Norway to adhere to the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy. This would necessitate negotiating fishing quotas at the EU level and granting foreign vessels access to Norwegian fishing grounds, which many in Norway view as a threat to their national autonomy and economic interests.1
• Oil and Gas: The oil industry accounts for half of Norway’s export revenue and supports its sovereign wealth fund. Norway opposes the EU’s stance against Arctic drilling and seeks to maintain full control over its existing energy supplies, which provide the country with significant leverage as a major exporter to the EU.1

Ultimately, these concerns reflect a broader fear among many Norwegians that joining the EU would erode the country’s independence and harm its economy, leading voters to reject membership in past referendums.12