With 27 member nations, the European Union has absorbed most of Europe, even stubbornly independent nations like Sweden and Austria. But Norway remains aloof. It's a notable omission since Norway is one of Europe's most prosperous nations. Norwegian voters vetoed EU membership by referendum in 1972. An active movement against membership has persisted ever since, and makes a number of arguments: Norwegian citizens have greater democratic voices if they remain independent of the EU The EU is forcing its poorer member nations into accepting globalization to the detriment of their own businesses The EU has failed to address environmental issues effectively Norway has greater autonomy by remaining outside the EU