natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
A journalist asked me recently about the legacy I wanted to leave behind as the first Norwegian Minister for EEA and EU Affairs.
A journalist asked me recently about the legacy I wanted to leave behind as the first Norwegian Minister for EEA and EU Affairs.
The question felt slightly premature, only seven months into my tenure.
The question felt slightly premature, only seven months into my tenure.
Nevertheless, here is my answer: I wish to be remembered for having shifted the debate from what we think about legislation that has already been adopted in the EU, to how we wish to influence the future policies of the Union.
Nevertheless, here is my answer: I wish to be remembered for having shifted the debate from what we think about legislation that has already been adopted in the EU, to how we wish to influence the future policies of the Union.
We have channels open to us.
We have channels open to us.
We have opportunities to participate.
We have opportunities to participate.
The EEA Agreement allows us to take part in the development of EU legislation when the Commission is preparing its proposals.
The EEA Agreement allows us to take part in the development of EU legislation when the Commission is preparing its proposals.
Of course, there is no guarantee that we will be able to exert an influence.
Of course, there is no guarantee that we will be able to exert an influence.
But this goes for EU member states as well.
But this goes for EU member states as well.
My conviction is that whether we are a member of the EU or not, if we get involved at an early stage and have sensible arguments, we are more likely to be listened to.
My conviction is that whether we are a member of the EU or not, if we get involved at an early stage and have sensible arguments, we are more likely to be listened to.
But if we wait until 28 member states have reached a compromise, it is too late.
But if we wait until 28 member states have reached a compromise, it is too late.
This line of reasoning permeates the Government’s European strategy, which we will launch in a few weeks’ time.
This line of reasoning permeates the Government’s European strategy, which we will launch in a few weeks’ time.
The strategy sets out the main priorities for our cooperation with the EU in the period 2014–2017, and outlines how we intend to achieve our objectives.
The strategy sets out the main priorities for our cooperation with the EU in the period 2014–2017, and outlines how we intend to achieve our objectives.
A key message in the strategy is that we will pick our battles and engage in the European debate as early as possible, when new policies and rules that are of importance to us are being developed.
A key message in the strategy is that we will pick our battles and engage in the European debate as early as possible, when new policies and rules that are of importance to us are being developed.
Another message is that we will not develop our European policy behind closed doors.
Another message is that we will not develop our European policy behind closed doors.
On the contrary, one reason for establishing the post of Minister for EEA and EU Affairs was precisely to promote discussion and debate about Europe.
On the contrary, one reason for establishing the post of Minister for EEA and EU Affairs was precisely to promote discussion and debate about Europe.
We know that Norwegian companies, municipalities and civil society groups have access to information and knowledge through extensive European networks.
We know that Norwegian companies, municipalities and civil society groups have access to information and knowledge through extensive European networks.
Moreover, they are first in line when new European rules are to be implemented in Norway.
Moreover, they are first in line when new European rules are to be implemented in Norway.
We are therefore keen to cooperate with all groups in society when formulating and promoting our views and positions on the European arena.
We are therefore keen to cooperate with all groups in society when formulating and promoting our views and positions on the European arena.
Our European policy must be based on teamwork.
Our European policy must be based on teamwork.
[Dilemmas: Ukraine and TTIP]
[Dilemmas: Ukraine and TTIP]
I see many opportunities in the EEA Agreement and the other agreements we have concluded with the EU.
I see many opportunities in the EEA Agreement and the other agreements we have concluded with the EU.
Opportunities to influence policies at European level, and opportunities to promote our national interests.
Opportunities to influence policies at European level, and opportunities to promote our national interests.
At the same time, we are faced with some challenges and dilemmas, mainly due to developments in areas not covered by our agreements with the EU.
At the same time, we are faced with some challenges and dilemmas, mainly due to developments in areas not covered by our agreements with the EU.
The European response to the crisis in Ukraine illustrates this well.
The European response to the crisis in Ukraine illustrates this well.
It has reminded us that Schuman’s vision of a Europe where war is both unthinkable and impossible has not yet been realised.
It has reminded us that Schuman’s vision of a Europe where war is both unthinkable and impossible has not yet been realised.
It has also brought security policy back to the centre of the European integration process.
It has also brought security policy back to the centre of the European integration process.
And rightly so.
And rightly so.
When part of a sovereign country in the heart of the European continent is annexed by its neighbour, Europe must react.
When part of a sovereign country in the heart of the European continent is annexed by its neighbour, Europe must react.
In Norway, we are used to considering NATO as the main guarantor for Norwegian and European security.
In Norway, we are used to considering NATO as the main guarantor for Norwegian and European security.
Which it still is.
Which it still is.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the EU has played, and continues to play, a key role in handling the Ukraine crisis.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the EU has played, and continues to play, a key role in handling the Ukraine crisis.
Not least because the EU has means, like economic sanctions, at its disposal.
Not least because the EU has means, like economic sanctions, at its disposal.
The challenge for Norway is that when the EU member states meet to discuss how to react to Russian aggression and to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Norway is not at the table.
The challenge for Norway is that when the EU member states meet to discuss how to react to Russian aggression and to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Norway is not at the table.
I draw two lessons from these observations: First, it is crucial for Norway and the rest of Europe that we strengthen cooperation and coordination between the EU and NATO.
I draw two lessons from these observations: First, it is crucial for Norway and the rest of Europe that we strengthen cooperation and coordination between the EU and NATO.
Second, I think we should take a closer look at how we can deepen the political dialogue between Norway and the EU on foreign policy and security issues.
Second, I think we should take a closer look at how we can deepen the political dialogue between Norway and the EU on foreign policy and security issues.
Another illustration of the limitations of our existing arrangements can be seen in the current free trade negotiations between the EU and the US.
Another illustration of the limitations of our existing arrangements can be seen in the current free trade negotiations between the EU and the US.
This initiative will strengthen free trade and transatlantic relations and unleash significant growth potential in the US, the EU – and in Norway.
This initiative will strengthen free trade and transatlantic relations and unleash significant growth potential in the US, the EU – and in Norway.
However, since we are not associated with the common commercial policy of the EU, we are not part of these transatlantic discussions.
However, since we are not associated with the common commercial policy of the EU, we are not part of these transatlantic discussions.
This is a challenge for us, not only because the negotiations have direct and substantial consequences for us, but also because they have an important bearing on global governance.
This is a challenge for us, not only because the negotiations have direct and substantial consequences for us, but also because they have an important bearing on global governance.
Europe Day is an opportunity to step back for a moment and reflect on developments in our part of the world, and on our place in the European family.
Europe Day is an opportunity to step back for a moment and reflect on developments in our part of the world, and on our place in the European family.
We will have another such occasion in a week’s time, when we celebrate the bicentenary of our Constitution.
We will have another such occasion in a week’s time, when we celebrate the bicentenary of our Constitution.
While Europe Day and our national day are celebrated in quite different ways, I would argue that they have similar foundations.
While Europe Day and our national day are celebrated in quite different ways, I would argue that they have similar foundations.
They both celebrate the best Europe has to offer: the existence of common rules to protect the individual and to prevent the abuse of power.
They both celebrate the best Europe has to offer: the existence of common rules to protect the individual and to prevent the abuse of power.
And a European legal tradition to be proud of.
And a European legal tradition to be proud of.
We are privileged to live in a part of Europe where these ideas are deeply rooted.
We are privileged to live in a part of Europe where these ideas are deeply rooted.
However, we must not be complacent.
However, we must not be complacent.
It is our common responsibility to stand up for these principles when they are threatened.
It is our common responsibility to stand up for these principles when they are threatened.
As I see it, this is our most important task in today’s Europe.
As I see it, this is our most important task in today’s Europe.
Europe Day 2014
Europadagen 2014
Norway has allocated EUR 8.1 million of the EEA and Norway Grants to promote decent work and tripartite dialogue in 13 beneficiary countries.
Norge har satt av 8,1 millioner euro av EØS-midlene i inneværende periode for å fremme anstendig arbeid og trepartssamarbeid i 13 mottakerland.
Nordic Consulting Group concluded that: ‘The programme has done remarkably well and achieved as much as one could expect of such a fragmented and ambitious programme with a limited budget.
Nordic Consulting Group konkluderer at «Fondet har gjort det oppsiktsvekkende bra og oppnådd det som kunne forventes av et fragmentert og ambisiøst program med begrenset budsjett.
This is largely due to the effective management of a diverse and fragmented programme by Innovation Norway and the commitment and zest of the project promoters.’
Dette skyldes i hovedsak effektiv forvaltning av Innovasjon Norge og dedikerte og entusiastiske prosjektansvarlige.»
Key findings
Utvalgte funn fra rapporten
Good results have been achieved in the individual projects.
Det er oppnådd gode resultater i de enkelte prosjektene.
It is also possible to identify effects on national legislation in certain countries.
Det er også mulig å spore effekter på nasjonal lovgivning i enkelte land.
Elements of the Norwegian model have been used in more than 90 % of the projects.
Elementer fra den norske samarbeidsmodellen er anvendt i over 90 prosent av prosjektene.
Good results have been underreported.
Det er påvist underrapportering av gode resultater.
Innovation Norway has administered the programme in an effective way.
Innovasjon Norge har forvaltet fondet på en effektiv måte
Download: The Evaluation Report
Last ned: Evalueringsrapporten
Bilateral cooperation
Bilateralt samarbeid
One of the overriding goals of the EEA and Norway Grants is to enhance cooperation between Norway and the beneficiary countries.
Det er et overordnet mål at EØS-midlene skal bidra til å styrke samarbeidet mellom Norge og mottakerlandene.
The report concludes that the projects have contributed to closer cooperation, but also points out that the individual projects are relatively small-scale and geographically spread out.
Rapporten konkluderer med at prosjektene har bidratt til dette, men påpeker samtidig at prosjektene er relativt små og geografisk spredt.
Of a total of 52 project, 28 have been implemented in cooperation with Norwegian partners.
Av 52 prosjekter er 28 gjennomført i samarbeid med norske partnere.
Norwegian partner
Norske partnere
Number of projects
Antall prosjekter
Country/countries
Land
Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO)
LO (Landsorganisasjonen)
Bulgaria, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary
Bulgaria, Latvia, Polen, Romania, Slovenia, Tsjekkia, Ungarn
Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO)
NHO (Næringslivets hovedorganisasjon)
Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland
Bulgaria, Ungarn, Polen
Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities
KS (Kommunesektorens organisasjon)
Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary
Litauen, Polen, Romania, Tsjekkia, Ungarn
UNIO (Confederation of Unions for Professionals)
UNIO
Hungary, Poland
Polen, Ungarn
Union of Norwegian Correctional Services Employees
Kriminalomsorgens Yrkesforbund
Norwegian Civil Service Union (NTL)
Norsk tjenestemannslag
National Union of Norwegian Locomotivemen
Norsk Lokomotivmannsforbund
Federation of Norwegian Industries
Norsk Industri
Norwegian Union of Municipal and General Employees
Fagforbundet
Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions
Fellesforbundet
Norwegian Transport Workers' Union
Norsk Transportarbeiderforbund
More than 28 000 people have taken part or been involved in various ways in the 52 projects that have been implemented.
Over 28 000 personer har på ulike måter deltatt eller vært omfattet av de 52 prosjektene som er gjennomført.
For example, more than 700 courses and seminars have been held.
Det er blant annet avholdt over 700 kurs og seminarer.
Among the results achieved in these projects are new collective agreements and better health and safety standards.
Prosjektene har blant annet ført til nye tariffavtaler og forbedrede helse-, miljø- og sikkerhetsstandarder.
Some examples of projects are given below:
Nedenfor følger noen prosjekteksempler:
As a result of an analysis of the framework for tripartite cooperation, the Slovakian authorities have agreed that the social partners are to provide input to new legislation.
Kartlegging av rammeverket for trepartssamarbeid har resultert i at slovakiske myndighetene anerkjenner at arbeidslivets parter skal få gi innspill til konsekvensanalyser av ny lovgivning.
The new act on maternity leave that was adopted in 2014 incorporated a number of recommendations drawn up by a project under this programme.
Den nye loven om fødselspermisjon som ble vedtatt i 2014, adopterte en rekke forslag som ble utarbeidet av et prosjekt finansiert gjennom EØS-midlene.
The aim of the project, which was implemented by the Polish employers’ organisation Lewiatan, was to present key decision makers with recommendations that would enable more women to participate in the labour market.
Prosjektet ble gjennomført av den polske arbeidsgiverorganisasjonen Lewiatan, og formålet var å komme med anbefalinger for å få flere kvinner ut i arbeid.
Read more: Brochure about the projects
Les mer: Brosjyre om prosjektene
The Nordic Consulting Group report also sets out several recommendations that should be considered in the next round of the EEA and Norway Grants, for example:
Rapporten fra Nordic Consulting Group inkluderer også forslag til forbedringer av fondet for den neste runden med EØS-midler:
The level of ambition should be scaled to the size of the programme.
Ambisjonsnivået bør tilpasses størrelsen på fondet
The scale of the individual projects should be increased, while the number of thematic areas should be reduced.
Størrelsen på hvert prosjekt bør økes og antall tematiske områder som dekkes av fondet, bør reduseres
The system for reporting results should be improved.
Systemet for rapportering av resultater bør forbedres
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take these recommendations into account in its work on the programme for the next period.
Utenriksdepartementet tar med seg disse anbefalingene i arbeidet med å utforme fondet for neste periode.
Credit: Christoph Vander Eecken
Foto: Christophe Vander Eecken
Labour
Arbeidsliv
Workers’ rights and the right to decent work
Arbeidstakerrettigheter og retten til et anstendig arbeidsliv
Evaluation of decent work programme under EEA and Norway Grants
EØS-midlene: Evaluering av fondet for anstendig arbeid
Norwegian employee and employer organisations have played an important part in the results achieved in 13 countries in Central and Southern Europe.
Norske arbeidstaker- og arbeidsgiverorganisasjoner har spilt en viktig rolle for resultatene som er oppnådd i 13 land i Sør- og Sentral-Europa.
Evaluation of Norwegian Authorities' Handling of the In Amenas Crisis
Evaluering av myndighetenes handtering av terroraksjonen i Algerie
The main task of Norwegian authorities was to help preserve the lives and health of Norwegian citizens.
Norske myndigheters hovedoppgave var å bidra til å redde egne borgeres liv og helse.
This was done through direct contact with the Algerian authorities, specific offers of assistance to Algeria, and close coordination with the crisis-management systems of other countries and Statoil.
Dette ble blant annet gjort gjennom direkte kontakt med algeriske myndigheter, konkrete tilbud om assistanse til Algerie og nær koordinering med andre lands og Statoils krisehåndteringsapparat.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs led and coordinated the Norwegian authorities' efforts during the crisis.
Utenriksdepartementet (UD) ledet og koordinerte norske myndigheters innsats under krisen.
After major events, the Ministry generally performs an evaluation of its own response.
Departementet gjør vanligvis en evaluering av egen krisehåndtering etter større hendelser.
The evaluation report concludes that the Norwegian authorities handled the crisis In Amenas in a good way.
Evalueringsrapporten konkluderer med at norske myndigheter håndterte krisen i In Amenas på en god måte.
Even so, the report notes that cooperation between agencies and ministries can be improved when it comes to effective resource usage, classified information exchange and updated planning.
Samtidig peker rapporten på at samarbeidet mellom etater og departementer kan bli bedre innen effektiv ressursutnyttelse, gradert informasjonsutveksling og oppdatert planverk.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security is leading this analysis.
Dette arbeidet ledes av Justis- og beredskapsdepartementet.
Ministers from Latvia, Germany, Italy, Austria, Ireland, Norway and Luxembourg.
Miljøvernministerne fra Lativia, Italia, Østerrike, Irland og Norge, samt representanter fra Tyskland og Luxemburg.
Photo: MD
Foto: MD
- If more countries start to rely more heavily on nuclear power, these challenges will become more serious.
- Dersom kjernekraften tas i bruk i større omfang og av flere land vil disse alvorlige problemene øke.
Hence, nuclear power is not a sustainable solution to the challenges of climate change, Bjørnøy says.
Kjernekraft er derfor ikke en bærekraftig løsning på klimaproblemene, uttaler Bjørnøy.
The Ministers emphasize that the dangers of nuclear power are transboundary by nature.
I erklæringen understreker ministrene også at farene ved kjernekraften er grenseoverskridende av natur.
- Consequently, a great responsibility rests on the countries that want to use nuclear power to solve the challenges of climate change, Bjørnøy underlines.
- Det hviler derfor et stort ansvar på de landene som vil satse på kjernekraft for å løse klimaproblemene, understreker Bjørnøy.
The Ministers also discussed the need for better information about nuclear plants and activities and the need for consultations with neighbouring countries regarding decisions that can have transboundary effects.
På møtet diskuterte ministrene også behovet for bedre informasjon om aktiviteter og anlegg knyttet til kjernekraft, og konsultasjoner med naboland når det gjelder beslutninger som kan ha grenseoverskridende effekter.
More transparency is also important for the public debate on the future role of nuclear power, Bjørnøy emphasizes.
Mer åpenhet på dette området er også viktig for den offentlige debatt om kjernekraftens framtidige rolle, påpeker Bjørnøy.
- To avoid dangerous climate change we need drastic reductions of the fast increasing global greenhouse gas emissions.
- For å unngå farlige klimaendringer trenger vi meget store kutt i de raskt økende globale klimagassutslippene.
And this has to be implemented quickly.
Og dette må skje fort.
More efficient production and use of energy together with goals to increase the use of renewable energy are the most important measures.
Mer effektiv produksjon og bruk av energi er sammen med økt satsing på fornybar energi de viktigste tiltakene.
In this context, plants for enrichment of uranium and reprocessing of used nuclear fuel, e.g. in Sellafield, constitute the greatest danger.
I denne sammenheng er det anlegg for anrikning av uran og reprosessering av brukt atombrensel slik det foregår blant annet i Sellafield som utgjør den største faren.
Ministeral Statement (pdf)
Ministeral Statement (pdf)
Environment ministers warn against nuclear power as a solution to the climate crisis
Miljøvernministre advarer mot kjernekraft som løsning på klimakrisen
Norway condemns violence in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen
Norge fordømmer voldsbruken i Libya, Bahrain og Jemen
Mr Støre is concerned about the situation in these countries and urges the authorities to refrain from violence, respect the right to freedom of expression and allow peaceful demonstrations.
Støre er bekymret for situasjonen i landene og oppfordrer myndighetene til å avstå fra voldsbruk, respektere ytringsfrihet og tillate fredelige demonstrasjoner.
“The protests in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen are an expression of the people’s desire for more participatory democracy.
- Protestene i Libya, Bahrain og Jemen er et uttrykk for befolkningens ønske om større demokratisk deltagelse.
The authorities must respect fundamental human rights such as political, economic and social rights.
Myndighetene må respektere grunnleggende menneskerettigheter, som politiske, økonomiske og sosiale rettigheter.
It is now vital that all parties do their utmost to foster peaceful dialogue on reforms,” said the Foreign Minister.
Det er nå avgjørende at alle krefter bidrar til en fredelig dialog om reformer, sier utenriksministeren.
During the past few days, there have been massive demonstrations in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen.
Demonstrasjonene i Libya, Bahrain og Jemen har de siste dagene vært omfattende.
A number of people are reported to have been killed, and many are said to have been arrested in connection with the demonstrations.
Flere mennesker er rapportert drept, mange er skadet og flere skal være arrestert i forbindelse med demonstrasjonene.
“The protesters are calling for greater political freedom.
- Demonstrantene krever blant annet større politisk frihet.
Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights and are prerequisites for democratic development.
Ytrings- og forsamlingsfrihet er grunnleggende menneskerettigheter, og forutsetninger for en demokratisk utvikling.
Norway supports the people’s desire to live in a society where political and social rights are safeguarded,” said Mr Støre.
Norge støtter befolkningenes ønske om å leve i samfunn der politiske og sosiale rettigheter blir ivaretatt, sier utenriksminister Støre.
Libya suspended from the UN Human Rights Council
Libya utestengt fra FNs menneskerettighetsråd
Unacceptable use of violence against the Libyan people
Uakseptabelt med vold mot egne innbyggere i Libya
Oslo, 29 May 2009
Oslo, 29. mai 2009