natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre welcomed the Europe Conference in Oslo 15 June 2010.
Utenriksminister Jonas Gahr Støre ønsket velkommen til årets europakonferanse i Oslo.
The Minister based his remarks on the following points:
The Minister based his remarks on the following points:
Prime Minister Juncker, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
Prime Minister Juncker, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
“Europe is at a crossroads,” the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, declared to the Bundestag on 5 May in connection with the discussion on the German bailout to Greece.
“Europe is at a crossroads,” the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, declared to the Bundestag on 5 May in connection with the discussion on the German bailout to Greece.
“This is about no more and no less than the future of Europe,” she said.
“This is about no more and no less than the future of Europe,” she said.
The title of today’s conference is a reference to Chancellor Merkel’s words.
The title of today’s conference is a reference to Chancellor Merkel’s words.
I share Chancellor Merkel’s strong sense of urgency.
I share Chancellor Merkel’s strong sense of urgency.
During the last year, the global financial crisis has turned into an employment and debt crisis in Europe, putting the European Union and the Euro cooperation to the test.
During the last year, the global financial crisis has turned into an employment and debt crisis in Europe, putting the European Union and the Euro cooperation to the test.
Many European countries were already struggling with considerable public debts before the financial crises.
Many European countries were already struggling with considerable public debts before the financial crises.
The emergency measures taken in response to the financial crisis have created even larger budget deficits and problems.
The emergency measures taken in response to the financial crisis have created even larger budget deficits and problems.
Thousands off households in Europe are facing unemployment and the fear of declining living standards.
Thousands off households in Europe are facing unemployment and the fear of declining living standards.
For example, 40 % of young people in Spain are unemployed.
For example, 40 % of young people in Spain are unemployed.
People in Europe are expressing their anger, grief and frustration in the streets.
People in Europe are expressing their anger, grief and frustration in the streets.
This reminds us of the impact the crisis is having on human lives.
This reminds us of the impact the crisis is having on human lives.
This reminds us of how a financial crisis leads can quickly lead to social and political unrest.
This reminds us of how a financial crisis leads can quickly lead to social and political unrest.
How this crisis will affect ordinary peoples’ confidence in political institutions in Europe and the European Union as a project remains to be seen.
How this crisis will affect ordinary peoples’ confidence in political institutions in Europe and the European Union as a project remains to be seen.
However, the history of European integration shows that, at times like this, Europe can make significant changes and progress.
However, the history of European integration shows that, at times like this, Europe can make significant changes and progress.
The establishment of the internal single market in the 1990s serves as an illustration.
The establishment of the internal single market in the 1990s serves as an illustration.
I am convinced that Europe will come through this crisis.
I am convinced that Europe will come through this crisis.
Tough decisions are being made in Brussels and EU capitals to stabilise the situation in the short term and facilitate growth in the longer term.
Tough decisions are being made in Brussels and EU capitals to stabilise the situation in the short term and facilitate growth in the longer term.
I am looking forward to hearing Mr Juncker’s assessment of the situation.
I am looking forward to hearing Mr Juncker’s assessment of the situation.
Norway has been less severely hit by the financial crisis than most other countries in Europe.
Norway has been less severely hit by the financial crisis than most other countries in Europe.
The Norwegian Government is a net creditor.
The Norwegian Government is a net creditor.
We have been better positioned to apply fiscal stimuli without accruing debt.
We have been better positioned to apply fiscal stimuli without accruing debt.
And the structure of our exports, which is to a large extent based on energy products, made us less affected by the slump in demand than many other economies.
And the structure of our exports, which is to a large extent based on energy products, made us less affected by the slump in demand than many other economies.
Nevertheless, the development in the rest of Europe is of great importance to us.
Nevertheless, the development in the rest of Europe is of great importance to us.
The European Economic Area has made us an integral part of the internal market.
The European Economic Area has made us an integral part of the internal market.
70% of our exports are to the EU.
70% of our exports are to the EU.
Thus, when European countries are hit by an economic crisis, we are speaking of Norway’s closest and biggest economic partners.
Thus, when European countries are hit by an economic crisis, we are speaking of Norway’s closest and biggest economic partners.
Developments in Europe – both political and economic – go to the heart of Norwegian values and interests.
Developments in Europe – both political and economic – go to the heart of Norwegian values and interests.
When political and economic difficulties strike European countries, it is our allies, our neighbours and closest partners that are affected.
When political and economic difficulties strike European countries, it is our allies, our neighbours and closest partners that are affected.
It is an honour to introduce Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg to this year’s Conference on Europe in Oslo.
It is an honour to introduce Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg to this year’s Conference on Europe in Oslo.
He is the longest serving head of government in the European Union and highly respected in all quarters.
He is the longest serving head of government in the European Union and highly respected in all quarters.
In 1991, Mr Juncker was one of the principal architects of the Maastricht Treaty, in particular the section on the economic and monetary union, large parts of which he drafted himself.
In 1991, Mr Juncker was one of the principal architects of the Maastricht Treaty, in particular the section on the economic and monetary union, large parts of which he drafted himself.
Since 2005, Mr Juncker has been the first permanent president of the Euro group, the group of finance ministers of the Euro zone.
Since 2005, Mr Juncker has been the first permanent president of the Euro group, the group of finance ministers of the Euro zone.
We are all looking forward to hearing his perspectives on the turbulent and decisive times that Europe is now going through.
We are all looking forward to hearing his perspectives on the turbulent and decisive times that Europe is now going through.
The floor is yours.
The floor is yours.
Remarks at the Europe Conference
Innledning på Europakonferansen
Thank you for inviting me to this conference.
Thank you for inviting me to this conference.
I am glad that Nupi gives such high priority to European affairs.
I am glad that Nupi gives such high priority to European affairs.
For we need research-based knowledge and debate about Europe.
For we need research-based knowledge and debate about Europe.
Many people are pessimistic about Europe's place in the world.
Many people are pessimistic about Europe's place in the world.
They fear a shift in global power.
They fear a shift in global power.
They see China emerging as a major economic player.
They see China emerging as a major economic player.
They worry about the US pivoting towards Asia.
They worry about the US pivoting towards Asia.
They think Europe will lose out.
They think Europe will lose out.
I do not support this view.
I do not support this view.
Economic growth in China will not in itself harm Europe.
Economic growth in China will not in itself harm Europe.
Neither do I consider President Obama's closer attention to his Asian neighbours to be a threat.
Neither do I consider President Obama's closer attention to his Asian neighbours to be a threat.
The world economy is not a zero-sum game.
The world economy is not a zero-sum game.
We should not fear countries that embrace globalisation and succeed.
We should not fear countries that embrace globalisation and succeed.
I am more concerned about those that fail, or refuse, to take part in global exchange.
I am more concerned about those that fail, or refuse, to take part in global exchange.
They pose a bigger threat to Europe.
They pose a bigger threat to Europe.
In my view, the main question is not what global shifts and currents are doing to Europe, but rather what Europe is doing to itself.
In my view, the main question is not what global shifts and currents are doing to Europe, but rather what Europe is doing to itself.
Faced with instability in our neighbourhood, economic downturn and extremism, are we reacting in a way that strengthens Europe?
Faced with instability in our neighbourhood, economic downturn and extremism, are we reacting in a way that strengthens Europe?
Or are we contributing to its decline?
Or are we contributing to its decline?
Complex challenges
Complex challenges
Europe has certainly been put to the test lately.
Europe has certainly been put to the test lately.
The economic downturn has created a protracted social crisis in many countries and political crises in some.
The economic downturn has created a protracted social crisis in many countries and political crises in some.
The destructive effects of high unemployment will be with us for many years to come.
The destructive effects of high unemployment will be with us for many years to come.
Xenophobic forces are on the rise in several European states.
Xenophobic forces are on the rise in several European states.
Parties that contest the benefits of European integration have gained support.
Parties that contest the benefits of European integration have gained support.
In addition, we see radicalisation and violent extremism.
In addition, we see radicalisation and violent extremism.
The attacks in Paris and Copenhagen earlier this year illustrated in a shocking way that not all of our citizens support the values on which Europe is built.
The attacks in Paris and Copenhagen earlier this year illustrated in a shocking way that not all of our citizens support the values on which Europe is built.
Europe is also facing challenges in its borderlands and beyond.
Europe is also facing challenges in its borderlands and beyond.
Russia is violating international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Russia is violating international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity.
The devastating effects of wars and failed states in the Middle East and North Africa are coming closer to Europe by the day.
The devastating effects of wars and failed states in the Middle East and North Africa are coming closer to Europe by the day.
A humanitarian disaster is unfolding in the Mediterranean.
A humanitarian disaster is unfolding in the Mediterranean.
Thousands of refugees are in need of protection.
Thousands of refugees are in need of protection.
The situation is complex and demanding, for several reasons.
The situation is complex and demanding, for several reasons.
First, Europe has to tackle many crises simultaneously.
First, Europe has to tackle many crises simultaneously.
The geopolitical and humanitarian crises currently dominating, have to be tackled while Europe is still struggling in the aftermath of the economic crisis.
The geopolitical and humanitarian crises currently dominating, have to be tackled while Europe is still struggling in the aftermath of the economic crisis.
Second, the crises are interlinked, or even mutually reinforcing.
Second, the crises are interlinked, or even mutually reinforcing.
For instance, Russia has created foreign policy challenges for us: It has destabilised Ukraine and weakened international resolve in Syria.
For instance, Russia has created foreign policy challenges for us: It has destabilised Ukraine and weakened international resolve in Syria.
At the same time, it is seeking to influence political development in other European states, by fuelling the rise of extremist parties and forces.
At the same time, it is seeking to influence political development in other European states, by fuelling the rise of extremist parties and forces.
Another example: Radicalised youth are finding inspiration outside Europe, but their transition towards violent extremism may also be triggered by inadequate integration into societies within Europe.
Another example: Radicalised youth are finding inspiration outside Europe, but their transition towards violent extremism may also be triggered by inadequate integration into societies within Europe.
Thirdly, the integration miracle which has served Europe so well in dealing with borderline issues over the recent decades, does not work when dealing with countries or regions that do not want to be part of Europe, such as Russia, in a political sense, or are not part of Europe, like the Middle east or North Africa.
Thirdly, the integration miracle which has served Europe so well in dealing with borderline issues over the recent decades, does not work when dealing with countries or regions that do not want to be part of Europe, such as Russia, in a political sense, or are not part of Europe, like the Middle east or North Africa.
Fourthly, there is a challenge in that dealing with external threats of aggression, there is an old truth in that external threats can create internal unity.
Fourthly, there is a challenge in that dealing with external threats of aggression, there is an old truth in that external threats can create internal unity.
But when external threats are playing right to the heart of domestic politics in European countries, it gets more difficult.
But when external threats are playing right to the heart of domestic politics in European countries, it gets more difficult.
It is also noteworthy that the main challenges facing Europe in recent years are in areas where intergovernmental mentality dies hard: economic policy, foreign and security policy, fundamental rights, asylum and migration policy.
It is also noteworthy that the main challenges facing Europe in recent years are in areas where intergovernmental mentality dies hard: economic policy, foreign and security policy, fundamental rights, asylum and migration policy.
This shapes the EU's ability to act.
This shapes the EU's ability to act.
And for our part, it shapes the way Norway cooperates with its European partners.
And for our part, it shapes the way Norway cooperates with its European partners.
Two imperatives
Two imperatives
Many say that we need more Europe.
Many say that we need more Europe.
Others advocate a transfer of power back to the national level – a renationalisation.
Others advocate a transfer of power back to the national level – a renationalisation.
Both views have merits.
Both views have merits.
But none of them has merits if given as sweeping statements meant to be valid for each and every issue.
But none of them has merits if given as sweeping statements meant to be valid for each and every issue.
Across all issues, the way I see it, Europe's future and its position globally will depend on our ability to:
Across all issues, the way I see it, Europe's future and its position globally will depend on our ability to:
respect fundamental principles and values, and
respect fundamental principles and values, and
deliver at the promise of these principles and values.
deliver at the promise of these principles and values.
Allow me to elaborate a bit on these two imperatives.
Allow me to elaborate a bit on these two imperatives.
Europe's success for over half a century has been due to the fact that we have based our societies and cooperation on the rule of law and the values and principles of liberal democracy.
Europe's success for over half a century has been due to the fact that we have based our societies and cooperation on the rule of law and the values and principles of liberal democracy.
And been able to make democracy deliver for its citizens.
And been able to make democracy deliver for its citizens.
We will be in deep trouble if individual countries or the EU itself compromise on our values.
We will be in deep trouble if individual countries or the EU itself compromise on our values.
This is a matter of survival for European integration as we know it.
This is a matter of survival for European integration as we know it.
Without the rule of law, neither the internal market nor the area of freedom, security and justice will function.
Without the rule of law, neither the internal market nor the area of freedom, security and justice will function.
If we cannot trust the legal systems in other European states, our advanced structures of mutual recognition will collapse.
If we cannot trust the legal systems in other European states, our advanced structures of mutual recognition will collapse.
Besides, we cannot credibly project our values and policies outside Europe unless our own house is in order.
Besides, we cannot credibly project our values and policies outside Europe unless our own house is in order.
To put it simply, I am convinced that Europe can handle economic crises, social crises and political crises, but it will not survive a rule-of-law crisis.
To put it simply, I am convinced that Europe can handle economic crises, social crises and political crises, but it will not survive a rule-of-law crisis.
Taking action against those who promote illiberal and anti-democratic development, both externally and internally, is an existential necessity.
Taking action against those who promote illiberal and anti-democratic development, both externally and internally, is an existential necessity.
Let me turn to the second imperative: to make Europe deliver.
Let me turn to the second imperative: to make Europe deliver.
The legitimacy of European democracies and of integration depends to a large extent on the results it produces.
The legitimacy of European democracies and of integration depends to a large extent on the results it produces.
Since the very beginning, the aim – and the promise – has been to deliver peace and well-being to the citizens of Europe.
Since the very beginning, the aim – and the promise – has been to deliver peace and well-being to the citizens of Europe.
If Europe fails to deliver on this, it will be very hard to muster popular and political support for the integration process.
If Europe fails to deliver on this, it will be very hard to muster popular and political support for the integration process.
In this perspective, economic recovery is the first, second and third priority.
In this perspective, economic recovery is the first, second and third priority.
If we are to achieve these two imperatives, we must stick together.
If we are to achieve these two imperatives, we must stick together.
We must defend our values and principles collectively internally and externally.
We must defend our values and principles collectively internally and externally.
That is why Norway seeks close cooperation with our European partners.
That is why Norway seeks close cooperation with our European partners.
Norway and Europe
Norway and Europe
I have deliberately been talking about Europe rather than the EU.
I have deliberately been talking about Europe rather than the EU.
Norway is part of the European integration process, albeit in an unusual way.
Norway is part of the European integration process, albeit in an unusual way.
Our European policy is based on the two imperatives I mentioned earlier.
Our European policy is based on the two imperatives I mentioned earlier.
Let me illustrate this point with reference to some of the main topics on the European agenda.
Let me illustrate this point with reference to some of the main topics on the European agenda.
Many refugees are now seeking protection in Europe.
Many refugees are now seeking protection in Europe.
Some people are responding to this situation with fear.
Some people are responding to this situation with fear.
They believe that the influx of refugees is threatening our values and welfare.
They believe that the influx of refugees is threatening our values and welfare.
I think historian Geert Mak made a valid point recently, when he said that we should not fear the refugees; rather we should fear our inability to welcome them.
I think historian Geert Mak made a valid point recently, when he said that we should not fear the refugees; rather we should fear our inability to welcome them.
We have a moral and legal obligation to help.
We have a moral and legal obligation to help.
And we have an obligation to deliver the goods – peace and prosperity – to our citizens.
And we have an obligation to deliver the goods – peace and prosperity – to our citizens.
We must welcome the refugees in an orderly and decent manner; we must help them become part of our societies; and we must address the root causes that are forcing people to flee their homes.
We must welcome the refugees in an orderly and decent manner; we must help them become part of our societies; and we must address the root causes that are forcing people to flee their homes.
Norway will do its share.
Norway will do its share.
We are prepared to receive 8000 asylum seekers in the period 2015–2017.
We are prepared to receive 8000 asylum seekers in the period 2015–2017.
We are joining, on a voluntary basis, the EU's scheme to relocate refugees from countries like Italy and Greece.
We are joining, on a voluntary basis, the EU's scheme to relocate refugees from countries like Italy and Greece.
We have increased our humanitarian assistance to Syria and neighbouring areas (EUR 135 million in 2015).
We have increased our humanitarian assistance to Syria and neighbouring areas (EUR 135 million in 2015).
We will host a donor conference in London together with the UK and Germany, and in cooperation with the UN.
We will host a donor conference in London together with the UK and Germany, and in cooperation with the UN.
We have pledged extra funds to support the reception of refugees in Serbia and Macedonia.
We have pledged extra funds to support the reception of refugees in Serbia and Macedonia.
We are taking part in the operations in the Mediterranean to strengthen external border control and save lives.
We are taking part in the operations in the Mediterranean to strengthen external border control and save lives.
We will prioritise capacity-building in the field of asylum policy in the forthcoming negotiations on how the EEA and Norway Grants are to be spent.
We will prioritise capacity-building in the field of asylum policy in the forthcoming negotiations on how the EEA and Norway Grants are to be spent.
Just as we are part of the coordinated European response to the refugee crisis, so too we will stand together to tackle the challenges in the east.
Just as we are part of the coordinated European response to the refugee crisis, so too we will stand together to tackle the challenges in the east.
We have aligned ourselves with the EU's restrictive measures against Russia.
We have aligned ourselves with the EU's restrictive measures against Russia.
This is costly, but the alternative – doing nothing – would be more costly, and is not an option.
This is costly, but the alternative – doing nothing – would be more costly, and is not an option.
International law is our first line of defence, and we must protect our common rules.
International law is our first line of defence, and we must protect our common rules.
Contrary to most of our European partners, we share a common border with Russia.
Contrary to most of our European partners, we share a common border with Russia.