natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
And I am sure that including international energy partners in your discussions, as you have done, will advance the process as you continue to pursue your Energiewende.
And I am sure that including international energy partners in your discussions, as you have done, will advance the process as you continue to pursue your Energiewende.
The way we produce, trade and consume energy is changing.
The way we produce, trade and consume energy is changing.
This will involve and affect all of us.
This will involve and affect all of us.
By working together to make this transition, we can also make it more effective and less costly.
By working together to make this transition, we can also make it more effective and less costly.
Norway will play its part.
Norway will play its part.
Rich in energy resources, both renewable and fossil, our country has been a reliable supplier of energy to the rest of Europe for many years.
Rich in energy resources, both renewable and fossil, our country has been a reliable supplier of energy to the rest of Europe for many years.
Norway's export of natural gas
Norway's export of natural gas
Every year we export more than 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas to the EU through pipelines.
Every year we export more than 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas to the EU through pipelines.
This accounts for between 20 and 40 % of total gas consumption in Germany, the UK, Belgium and France, the four largest importers of Norwegian natural gas.
This accounts for between 20 and 40 % of total gas consumption in Germany, the UK, Belgium and France, the four largest importers of Norwegian natural gas.
One of the best ways Norway can contribute to European security of supply and the transition to a low-carbon society is to continue to deliver natural gas to Europe.
One of the best ways Norway can contribute to European security of supply and the transition to a low-carbon society is to continue to deliver natural gas to Europe.
When it replaces more carbon-intensive energy sources, gas can bring about substantial cuts in emissions in the short term.
When it replaces more carbon-intensive energy sources, gas can bring about substantial cuts in emissions in the short term.
As a flexible energy source, gas can also provide balancing power in a system in which the share of intermittent renewable energy is increasing.
As a flexible energy source, gas can also provide balancing power in a system in which the share of intermittent renewable energy is increasing.
So yes, natural gas can and should be an important part of the bridge to our shared, low-carbon future.
So yes, natural gas can and should be an important part of the bridge to our shared, low-carbon future.
Another way we can provide energy for the rest of Europe is by supplying hydropower, which accounts for almost all electricity generation in Norway.
Another way we can provide energy for the rest of Europe is by supplying hydropower, which accounts for almost all electricity generation in Norway.
This is a resource that is already playing an important role in providing storage and energy balancing services to the European energy system, and has further potential.
This is a resource that is already playing an important role in providing storage and energy balancing services to the European energy system, and has further potential.
In hydropower systems, energy can be stored and released from reservoirs as and when it is needed.
In hydropower systems, energy can be stored and released from reservoirs as and when it is needed.
Norway is one of Europe's green batteries.
Norway is one of Europe's green batteries.
To this end, electricity interconnection capacity between Norway and the rest of Europe is being expanded.
To this end, electricity interconnection capacity between Norway and the rest of Europe is being expanded.
The final investment decision on the NordLink cable between Norway and Germany was made earlier this month – which is welcome news, indeed.
The final investment decision on the NordLink cable between Norway and Germany was made earlier this month – which is welcome news, indeed.
We see this as an important first step in long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries in the field of electricity.
We see this as an important first step in long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries in the field of electricity.
Interconnectors make it possible for us to use our energy resources more efficiently.
Interconnectors make it possible for us to use our energy resources more efficiently.
They increase security of supply, and they allow for better integration of renewable energy.
They increase security of supply, and they allow for better integration of renewable energy.
Together with the planned interconnector with the UK, the NordLink cable will increase Norway's interconnection capacity by almost 50 %.
Together with the planned interconnector with the UK, the NordLink cable will increase Norway's interconnection capacity by almost 50 %.
This increase will serve the European energy transition well.
This increase will serve the European energy transition well.
A well-functioning, integrated energy market is, in our view, the single most important factor for security of supply in Europe, and it is at the heart of an effective climate policy.
A well-functioning, integrated energy market is, in our view, the single most important factor for security of supply in Europe, and it is at the heart of an effective climate policy.
We are therefore pleased to be part of the EU internal energy market through the European Economic Area Agreement, and to work alongside you in implementing the Third Energy Package in order to complete market integration.
We are therefore pleased to be part of the EU internal energy market through the European Economic Area Agreement, and to work alongside you in implementing the Third Energy Package in order to complete market integration.
Without adequate infrastructure and interconnectivity, we will not have the functioning, fully integrated European energy market we seek.
Without adequate infrastructure and interconnectivity, we will not have the functioning, fully integrated European energy market we seek.
Both require long-term investment in capital-intensive projects.
Both require long-term investment in capital-intensive projects.
A key question is how we can ensure that investment – and the right kind of investment – takes place.
A key question is how we can ensure that investment – and the right kind of investment – takes place.
We must rise to the challenge
We must rise to the challenge
The answer may be easy, but what it requires is not: long-term, broad political commitment.
The answer may be easy, but what it requires is not: long-term, broad political commitment.
Predictability attracts investment.
Predictability attracts investment.
By its very nature, a period of transition – which some call an energy revolution - involves a degree of unpredictability.
By its very nature, a period of transition – which some call an energy revolution - involves a degree of unpredictability.
We who are politicians must rise to the challenge.
We who are politicians must rise to the challenge.
We need to put in place a predictable policy framework that is independent of election campaigns and party lines to encourage the investments that Europe needs, while letting producers and consumers play their part in the energy transition.
We need to put in place a predictable policy framework that is independent of election campaigns and party lines to encourage the investments that Europe needs, while letting producers and consumers play their part in the energy transition.
Energy must be sustainable, reliable and affordable.
Energy must be sustainable, reliable and affordable.
Going it alone is not an option for any country.
Going it alone is not an option for any country.
In Norway, the current share of renewables in our energy mix is some 65 %.
In Norway, the current share of renewables in our energy mix is some 65 %.
Even so, the transition to a low-carbon society and the green shift are hot topics in our country, too.
Even so, the transition to a low-carbon society and the green shift are hot topics in our country, too.
We have known for a long time that 2014 would be the peak year for income from the petroleum sector.
We have known for a long time that 2014 would be the peak year for income from the petroleum sector.
The falling oil prices will accelerate the pace of economic reform and our pursuit of green competitiveness.
The falling oil prices will accelerate the pace of economic reform and our pursuit of green competitiveness.
Part of our national discussion focuses on how we can use our experience and expertise in, among other, the marine and maritime industries, hydropower and offshore petroleum to contribute to the green shift and create additional opportunities for employment and green growth.
Part of our national discussion focuses on how we can use our experience and expertise in, among other, the marine and maritime industries, hydropower and offshore petroleum to contribute to the green shift and create additional opportunities for employment and green growth.
Research and innovation are key factors, and another very important area of cooperation between Norway and the EU.
Research and innovation are key factors, and another very important area of cooperation between Norway and the EU.
The Norwegian government recently proposed that Norway should cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 % by 2030, in line with the EU's binding target.
The Norwegian government recently proposed that Norway should cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 % by 2030, in line with the EU's binding target.
The EU is continuing to play a leading role in efforts to mitigate climate change with its 2030 climate and energy policy framework.
The EU is continuing to play a leading role in efforts to mitigate climate change with its 2030 climate and energy policy framework.
Norway will seek to fully integrate with these efforts – to be part of the "EU bubble", and believe we can make a valuable contribution to the implementation of the EU framework.
Norway will seek to fully integrate with these efforts – to be part of the "EU bubble", and believe we can make a valuable contribution to the implementation of the EU framework.
At the same time, this can lay the foundation for an effective climate policy at home and provide greater predictability for our industry and business sector.
At the same time, this can lay the foundation for an effective climate policy at home and provide greater predictability for our industry and business sector.
No long-term challenge we face today looms larger than climate change.
No long-term challenge we face today looms larger than climate change.
Germany's leadership in Europe will remain crucial.
Germany's leadership in Europe will remain crucial.
Konrad Adenauer, and the other European Union founding fathers, once had the vision and ingenuity to promote and ensure European cooperation at a critical time in history – through industry and energy cooperation, but with the ultimate aim of lasting peace.
Konrad Adenauer, and the other European Union founding fathers, once had the vision and ingenuity to promote and ensure European cooperation at a critical time in history – through industry and energy cooperation, but with the ultimate aim of lasting peace.
We are living at a time today that requires the same sense of purpose, and the same boldness and concerted effort.
We are living at a time today that requires the same sense of purpose, and the same boldness and concerted effort.
Norwegian–German Energy Partnership: for a strong and competitive Europe
Norwegian–German Energy Partnership: for a strong and competitive Europe
Berlin, 27 February 2015
Berlin, 27. februar 2015
'Thank you for inviting me to speak at this conference.
- Thank you for inviting me to speak at this conference.
The theme you have chosen is highly topical and close to my political and European heart.
The theme you have chosen is highly topical and close to my political and European heart.
A united Europe based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights', said Minister Vidar Helgesen in his statement at Europabevegelsen's conference 2014.
A united Europe based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights, sa Vidar Helgesen da han innledet på Europabevegelsens årskonferanse.
Thank you for inviting me to speak at this conference.
Thank you for inviting me to speak at this conference.
A united Europe based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights.
A united Europe based on peace, democracy, freedom, solidarity and respect for basic human rights.
This was the vision of the founders of the European Movement back in the late 1940s.
This was the vision of the founders of the European Movement back in the late 1940s.
Their ideas led to the establishment of the Council of Europe and the EU, and they should continue to inspire new generations of Europeans.
Their ideas led to the establishment of the Council of Europe and the EU, and they should continue to inspire new generations of Europeans.
Democracy is essentially about two principles: popular control over public decision-making, and the equality of those who exercise that control.
Democracy is essentially about two principles: popular control over public decision-making, and the equality of those who exercise that control.
These principles define what democrats at all times and in all places have struggled for:
These principles define what democrats at all times and in all places have struggled for:
Making popular control over public decision making more effective and more inclusive
Making popular control over public decision making more effective and more inclusive
Removing elite monopoly over decision making and its benefits
Removing elite monopoly over decision making and its benefits
Overcoming obstacles to the equal exercise of citizenship rights, such as those of gender, ethnicity, religion, language, class and wealth.
Overcoming obstacles to the equal exercise of citizenship rights, such as those of gender, ethnicity, religion, language, class and wealth.
When the Berlin Wall came down, the vision of democratic progress through integration became tangible for the entire European continent.
When the Berlin Wall came down, the vision of democratic progress through integration became tangible for the entire European continent.
The door to European integration was opened to countries that had been trapped behind the Iron Curtain for decades.
The door to European integration was opened to countries that had been trapped behind the Iron Curtain for decades.
The EU became a powerful force for democratic transformation in the post-Communist states.
The EU became a powerful force for democratic transformation in the post-Communist states.
At the same time, the EU itself, and its own governance system has remained, will remain, and in my view must remain, a continuous balancing act between interests of citizens, governments and European institutions.
At the same time, the EU itself, and its own governance system has remained, will remain, and in my view must remain, a continuous balancing act between interests of citizens, governments and European institutions.
An effort to fully democratize EU institutions vis-à-vis citizens would not necessarily, strengthen the quality of democracy in Europe.
An effort to fully democratize EU institutions vis-à-vis citizens would not necessarily, strengthen the quality of democracy in Europe.
On the contrary, I believe strengthening democratic accountability at the national level will also give more legitimacy to European-level decision-making.
On the contrary, I believe strengthening democratic accountability at the national level will also give more legitimacy to European-level decision-making.
Hence the EU should continue its important historical role as a driver for democracy-building in member states as well as – through the power of attraction – for countries in its neighbourhood.
Hence the EU should continue its important historical role as a driver for democracy-building in member states as well as – through the power of attraction – for countries in its neighbourhood.
The European Dream
The European Dream
The belief in the EUs transformative power reached a peak in 2004, when ten central and eastern European states acceded to the Union, after having met the political, economic and institutional criteria for EU membership.
The belief in the EUs transformative power reached a peak in 2004, when ten central and eastern European states acceded to the Union, after having met the political, economic and institutional criteria for EU membership.
The same year, Jeremy Rifkin wrote his much-quoted book about "The European Dream".
The same year, Jeremy Rifkin wrote his much-quoted book about "The European Dream".
A dream where individuals find security through connectivity and respect for human rights.
A dream where individuals find security through connectivity and respect for human rights.
A dream of a postmodern community and the triumph of Europe as a soft power.
A dream of a postmodern community and the triumph of Europe as a soft power.
A Europe where zero-sum perspectives are outdated.
A Europe where zero-sum perspectives are outdated.
Today we know better.
Today we know better.
The European Dream is still just a dream for many.
The European Dream is still just a dream for many.
Yet again, in 2014, violence has silenced Europeans standing up for their rights.
Yet again, in 2014, violence has silenced Europeans standing up for their rights.
Yet again, armies are crossing internationally recognized borders in Europe.
Yet again, armies are crossing internationally recognized borders in Europe.
The Russian annexation of Crimea and the military operations in in Eastern Ukraine have put the very idea of European integration and cooperation to the test.
The Russian annexation of Crimea and the military operations in in Eastern Ukraine have put the very idea of European integration and cooperation to the test.
Its putting the EU to the test.
Its putting the EU to the test.
Where does Norway stand in Europe’s changing democratic landscapes?
Where does Norway stand in Europe’s changing democratic landscapes?
We have chosen through democratic procedures not to be member of the EU.
We have chosen through democratic procedures not to be member of the EU.
We have no voting rights in the Council, we have no representatives in the European Parliament.
We have no voting rights in the Council, we have no representatives in the European Parliament.
We are not at the table when decisions are being made.
We are not at the table when decisions are being made.
We have also chosen through democratic procedures to be part of the EEA, Schengen and our other agreements with the EU.
We have also chosen through democratic procedures to be part of the EEA, Schengen and our other agreements with the EU.
Over 20 years all six parliaments have supported and all seven governments have governed on the basis of these agreements.
Over 20 years all six parliaments have supported and all seven governments have governed on the basis of these agreements.
Public decision-making and political discretion are limited in many ways.
Public decision-making and political discretion are limited in many ways.
By the Constitution.
By the Constitution.
By human rights instruments.
By human rights instruments.
By rights extended to groups or individuals through political decisions.
By rights extended to groups or individuals through political decisions.
And by the EEA agreement.
And by the EEA agreement.
Fundamentally, the principle of rule of law places limitations on political discretion.
Fundamentally, the principle of rule of law places limitations on political discretion.
What is so special about the EEA Agreement therefore, is not the principle of placing constraints on political decision-making authority.
What is so special about the EEA Agreement therefore, is not the principle of placing constraints on political decision-making authority.
Norway is part of the broader European democracy
Norway is part of the broader European democracy
What is special about the EEA, is the scope and depth of penetration of this agreement into every aspect of Norwegian society.
What is special about the EEA, is the scope and depth of penetration of this agreement into every aspect of Norwegian society.
So although I personally am convinced that it is in Norway’s interest to be a member of all important international organisations that we can be a member of, I would argue that the democratic shortcomings of the EEA agreement are rather pale compared to the democratic challenges facing Europe at the moment.
So although I personally am convinced that it is in Norway’s interest to be a member of all important international organisations that we can be a member of, I would argue that the democratic shortcomings of the EEA agreement are rather pale compared to the democratic challenges facing Europe at the moment.
And when democracy is challenged elsewhere in Europe, it affects us, even though we are not part of the formal participatory democracy at EU-level.
And when democracy is challenged elsewhere in Europe, it affects us, even though we are not part of the formal participatory democracy at EU-level.
For we are deeply committed to the values that underpin European integration.
For we are deeply committed to the values that underpin European integration.
We are part of the broader European democracy, and we must stand up to defend it.
We are part of the broader European democracy, and we must stand up to defend it.
Democracy in Europe is challenged in many ways.
Democracy in Europe is challenged in many ways.
Firstly, strongman politics is back in Europe in a way not seen for many decades.
Firstly, strongman politics is back in Europe in a way not seen for many decades.
Russia.
Russia.
Extreme nationalists in rest of Europe.
Extreme nationalists in rest of Europe.
Hungary.
Hungary.
The risk of spreading.
The risk of spreading.
Secondly, weak political institutions and processes: failure to deliver.
Secondly, weak political institutions and processes: failure to deliver.
Weak political parties.
Weak political parties.
Thirdly, organised crime and corruption.
Thirdly, organised crime and corruption.
Fourthly, failure to manage diversity.
Fourthly, failure to manage diversity.
Discrimination of minorities.
Discrimination of minorities.
Immigrants.
Immigrants.
Political islam.
Political islam.
Let me give three examples of our engagement:
Let me give three examples of our engagement:
First, we have been consistent in our support for EU restrictive measures against Russia in the wake of the annexation of Crimea.
First, we have been consistent in our support for EU restrictive measures against Russia in the wake of the annexation of Crimea.
We cannot accept that the democratic will of people is overturned by military means.
We cannot accept that the democratic will of people is overturned by military means.
We cannot accept that authoritarian forces try to stop the spread of fundamental rights and values at the heart of Europe.
We cannot accept that authoritarian forces try to stop the spread of fundamental rights and values at the heart of Europe.
Second, we are strengthening our political dialogue with Ukraine.
Second, we are strengthening our political dialogue with Ukraine.
Later this month I will accompany Prime Minister Solberg on meetings in Kiev, where we will express our solidarity and our intention to help in the transition that lies ahead.
Later this month I will accompany Prime Minister Solberg on meetings in Kiev, where we will express our solidarity and our intention to help in the transition that lies ahead.
This will be a key test case for European democracy building in the coming years.
This will be a key test case for European democracy building in the coming years.
It will take time.
It will take time.