natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The commission, which was set up 29 September 1989 by the Ministry of Environment, consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Industry, the Norwegian Society for Conservation of Nature, the Norwegian Labour Organisation, the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities and the Consumer Council.
The commission, which was set up 29 September 1989 by the Ministry of Environment, consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Industry, the Norwegian Society for Conservation of Nature, the Norwegian Labour Organisation, the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities and the Consumer Council.
The commission presented its report to the Ministry of the Environment 3 December 1990.
The commission presented its report to the Ministry of the Environment 3 December 1990.
It represents a comprehensive analysis of waste-related issues based on what was regarded as environmental concerns and with reference to state-of-the-art technology at the time.
It represents a comprehensive analysis of waste-related issues based on what was regarded as environmental concerns and with reference to state-of-the-art technology at the time.
The Commission regarded the prevention of waste generation to be a main goal.
The Commission regarded the prevention of waste generation to be a main goal.
Generated waste should be recovered at the highest level possible, i.e. reuse should be preferred to material-recycling, which again should be preferred to incineration with energy-recovery (cf. inter alia NOU 1990: 28 chapters 0, 5.2.2, 5.4.3 and 6.3.2).
Generated waste should be recovered at the highest level possible, i.e. reuse should be preferred to material-recycling, which again should be preferred to incineration with energy-recovery (cf. inter alia NOU 1990: 28 chapters 0, 5.2.2, 5.4.3 and 6.3.2).
The Norwegian Government and Parliament have ever since viewed the base tax as an environmental tax.
The Norwegian Government and Parliament have ever since viewed the base tax as an environmental tax.
Clearly, the base tax may – as do all other governmental measures – have various and different effects.
Clearly, the base tax may – as do all other governmental measures – have various and different effects.
This cannot, in the view of the Government, disqualify the base tax’s legitimacy as environmental tax in intention and effect.
This cannot, in the view of the Government, disqualify the base tax’s legitimacy as environmental tax in intention and effect.
The Government remains convinced that the base tax is justifiable for reasons of its beneficial environmental protection effects.
The Government remains convinced that the base tax is justifiable for reasons of its beneficial environmental protection effects.
The Government draws the Authority’s attention to the fact that statistics shows a higher return rate in Norway for refillable beverages than for non-refillable beverages.
The Government draws the Authority’s attention to the fact that statistics shows a higher return rate in Norway for refillable beverages than for non-refillable beverages.
The situation is the same in Sweden and Finland.
The situation is the same in Sweden and Finland.
Return rates in Norway for 2007 are 95 percent for refillable bottles, and 92 and 82 percent for cans and PET bottles respectively (according to the Norwegian Pollution Control Activity).
Return rates in Norway for 2007 are 95 percent for refillable bottles, and 92 and 82 percent for cans and PET bottles respectively (according to the Norwegian Pollution Control Activity).
This confirms the environmental protection effects of the base tax.
This confirms the environmental protection effects of the base tax.
Such facts cannot be irrelevant for the purpose of interpreting and applying Article 14 EEA in the present case.
Such facts cannot be irrelevant for the purpose of interpreting and applying Article 14 EEA in the present case.
The project concluded that refillable PET bottles are more preferable than disposable PET bottles in terms of environmental protection.
The project concluded that refillable PET bottles are more preferable than disposable PET bottles in terms of environmental protection.
See the summary page 18 concerning 50 cl soft-drink packagings: “The energy demand, potential global warming, acidification, nutrification and photochemical ozone formation, are significantly lower for the refillable PET bottles than for the disposable PET bottles of the same size (see Table S.2 and section 14.4).
See the summary page 18 concerning 50 cl soft-drink packagings: “The energy demand, potential global warming, acidification, nutrification and photochemical ozone formation, are significantly lower for the refillable PET bottles than for the disposable PET bottles of the same size (see Table S.2 and section 14.4).
The conclusion is valid for 150 cl bottles as well as for 50 cl bottles.
The conclusion is valid for 150 cl bottles as well as for 50 cl bottles.
The reason is that recycling of PET demands more fuel and electricity than washing and filling of refillable bottles.”
The reason is that recycling of PET demands more fuel and electricity than washing and filling of refillable bottles.”
The Government also respectfully submits that shifting trends in the development of new technologies to address environmental concerns are of relevance in the present matter.
The Government also respectfully submits that shifting trends in the development of new technologies to address environmental concerns are of relevance in the present matter.
Experience shows that views on such things vary over time in accordance with fluctuating political, ideological and academic views.
Experience shows that views on such things vary over time in accordance with fluctuating political, ideological and academic views.
The base tax was considered as a vital means in environmental protection policies in the 1990s.
The base tax was considered as a vital means in environmental protection policies in the 1990s.
The fact that other means have been developed since then does not change the importance of retaining it as one of several means to protect the environment.
The fact that other means have been developed since then does not change the importance of retaining it as one of several means to protect the environment.
It may very well be that the base tax will regain its prominence as an environmental protection means.
It may very well be that the base tax will regain its prominence as an environmental protection means.
The Government believes the existence of flexibility from the point of view of Article 14 EEA to be wholly consistent with the dynamics inherent in the law of the EEA and the European Union.
The Government believes the existence of flexibility from the point of view of Article 14 EEA to be wholly consistent with the dynamics inherent in the law of the EEA and the European Union.
The domestic debate in Norway with regard to the tax’s importance as means for the protection of the environment attests to the view that the question of the compatibility of the tax with Article 14 EEA should not be resolved without reference to the relevance of domestic political debate.
The domestic debate in Norway with regard to the tax’s importance as means for the protection of the environment attests to the view that the question of the compatibility of the tax with Article 14 EEA should not be resolved without reference to the relevance of domestic political debate.
Moreover, the underlying debate is not singularly Norwegian; it forms part of a discussion also taking place on the European level.
Moreover, the underlying debate is not singularly Norwegian; it forms part of a discussion also taking place on the European level.
It is a principle in the European Union that reuse and recycling should be considered preferable in terms of environmental impact The Government considers that maintenance of the base tax is a measure that gives incentives for waste reduction, and more waste being reused.
It is a principle in the European Union that reuse and recycling should be considered preferable in terms of environmental impact The Government considers that maintenance of the base tax is a measure that gives incentives for waste reduction, and more waste being reused.
It is therefore a suitable instrument in achieving the national goal of waste prevention, and a measure in line with the principles guiding Norwegian and European waste policies.
It is therefore a suitable instrument in achieving the national goal of waste prevention, and a measure in line with the principles guiding Norwegian and European waste policies.
It is a fact that the yearly increase of the amount of waste produced contributes to considerable environmental problems, e.g., as regards combustion and deposits.
It is a fact that the yearly increase of the amount of waste produced contributes to considerable environmental problems, e.g., as regards combustion and deposits.
The principle of waste prevention is held out at the European level, most recently in the new Directive 2006/12/EC of 5 April 2006 on waste.
The principle of waste prevention is held out at the European level, most recently in the new Directive 2006/12/EC of 5 April 2006 on waste.
Article 3.1 states that “……Member States shall take appropriate measures to encourage: first, the prevention or reduction of waste production and its harmfulness…”
Article 3.1 states that “……Member States shall take appropriate measures to encourage: first, the prevention or reduction of waste production and its harmfulness…”
The Government remains convinced that the use of refillable beverage packaging is an appropriate measure in this respect and that it will continue to be so.
The Government remains convinced that the use of refillable beverage packaging is an appropriate measure in this respect and that it will continue to be so.
This has direct impact on the way in which Article 14 EEA should be interpreted.
This has direct impact on the way in which Article 14 EEA should be interpreted.
According to the preamble in Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste: “….reuse and recycling should be considered preferable in terms of environmental impact…”
According to the preamble in Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste: “….reuse and recycling should be considered preferable in terms of environmental impact…”
Article 5 in the Directive states that: “Member States may encourage reuse systems of packaging, which can be reused in an environmentally sound manner, in conformity with the Treaty.”
Article 5 in the Directive states that: “Member States may encourage reuse systems of packaging, which can be reused in an environmentally sound manner, in conformity with the Treaty.”
The Member States are thus given the opportunity to prioritize reuse over recycling, if this may be justified environmentally (“in conformity with the treaty”).
The Member States are thus given the opportunity to prioritize reuse over recycling, if this may be justified environmentally (“in conformity with the treaty”).
It is Norwegian policy that reuse and recycling should be considered preferable in terms of environmental impact Norwegian waste policy builds on the main principle of prevention of generated waste by, e.g., the re-use of beverage packaging.
It is Norwegian policy that reuse and recycling should be considered preferable in terms of environmental impact Norwegian waste policy builds on the main principle of prevention of generated waste by, e.g., the re-use of beverage packaging.
The Norwegian national target, adopted by Parliament, reflects this in stating that the rate of waste generation shall be significantly lower than general economic growth.
The Norwegian national target, adopted by Parliament, reflects this in stating that the rate of waste generation shall be significantly lower than general economic growth.
This environmental policy is also stated clearly in the so-called Soria Moria Declaration, the political platform and overriding steering document for the present three-party majority government.
This environmental policy is also stated clearly in the so-called Soria Moria Declaration, the political platform and overriding steering document for the present three-party majority government.
Chapter 12 (“Norway as an environmental nation”) of the Soria Moria Declaration states that “de stadig økende avfallsmengder er en indikator på et økende forbruk og en ressurssløsing som belaster miljøet”.
Chapter 12 (“Norway as an environmental nation”) of the Soria Moria Declaration states that “de stadig økende avfallsmengder er en indikator på et økende forbruk og en ressurssløsing som belaster miljøet”.
The Declaration further states that the Government will establish a body/structure aimed at working towards waste prevention and recycling.
The Declaration further states that the Government will establish a body/structure aimed at working towards waste prevention and recycling.
The make-up of the proposed body is not yet finally determined, yet there is no question that its aim is the reduction of negative environmental impact and that this should be accomplished by influencing design, the use of natural resources, production, distribution and consumption.
The make-up of the proposed body is not yet finally determined, yet there is no question that its aim is the reduction of negative environmental impact and that this should be accomplished by influencing design, the use of natural resources, production, distribution and consumption.
Waste reduction is thought to be a separate and individual aim for the body in question.
Waste reduction is thought to be a separate and individual aim for the body in question.
It is the Government’s position that these important elements of current Norwegian policies underline the strong position of waste reduction in Norway.
It is the Government’s position that these important elements of current Norwegian policies underline the strong position of waste reduction in Norway.
Further, the Government believes it is significant in the present case that Norwegian waste policy draws on the principles laid down in the so-called waste hierarchy.
Further, the Government believes it is significant in the present case that Norwegian waste policy draws on the principles laid down in the so-called waste hierarchy.
The waste hierarchy refers to the management options of reducing, reusing and recycling waste, classifying these waste management strategies according to their desirability.
The waste hierarchy refers to the management options of reducing, reusing and recycling waste, classifying these waste management strategies according to their desirability.
The waste hierarchy draws upon the precautionary principle, a fundamental principle in Norwegian and European environmental policy and, indeed, international law in general, in that it prescribes waste reduction and reuse as general preferred options.
The waste hierarchy draws upon the precautionary principle, a fundamental principle in Norwegian and European environmental policy and, indeed, international law in general, in that it prescribes waste reduction and reuse as general preferred options.
Neither is the waste hierarchy a feature unique to Norwegian waste policy.
Neither is the waste hierarchy a feature unique to Norwegian waste policy.
The concept was introduced into the waste policy of the European Community as far back as the Waste Framework Directive of 1975, having since been included in the Community Strategy for Waste Management, and further endorsed in the Commission’s review of this strategy in 1996.
The concept was introduced into the waste policy of the European Community as far back as the Waste Framework Directive of 1975, having since been included in the Community Strategy for Waste Management, and further endorsed in the Commission’s review of this strategy in 1996.
The new EU thematic strategy on waste prevention and recycling also builds on this concept.
The new EU thematic strategy on waste prevention and recycling also builds on this concept.
In the opinion of the Government, the base tax is a measure entirely in line with this hierarchy and its underlying principles, as it is intended to and does stimulate re-use and reduction of waste by providing an economic incentive for the reuse of beverage packaging.
In the opinion of the Government, the base tax is a measure entirely in line with this hierarchy and its underlying principles, as it is intended to and does stimulate re-use and reduction of waste by providing an economic incentive for the reuse of beverage packaging.
Conclusion: The Norwegian base tax on non-refillable bottles is compatible with Article 14 EEA Agreement; cf. the Court of Justice’s interpretation of EC Treaty Article 90.
Conclusion: The Norwegian base tax on non-refillable bottles is compatible with Article 14 EEA Agreement; cf. the Court of Justice’s interpretation of EC Treaty Article 90.
In the opinion of the Government, the differentiation is justified for the attainment of goals which are compatible with the internal market, namely the protection of the environment.
In the opinion of the Government, the differentiation is justified for the attainment of goals which are compatible with the internal market, namely the protection of the environment.
The Government of Norway will therefore not take measures to comply the Authority’s reasoned opinion.
The Government of Norway will therefore not take measures to comply the Authority’s reasoned opinion.
Tor Lande Deputy Director General
Tor Lande Deputy Director General
Fredrik Robsahm Senior Adviser
Fredrik Robsahm Senior Adviser
Message of Solidarity
Message of Solidarity
Addis Ababa, 25 May 2013
Addis Abeba, 25. mai 2013
- On behalf of the Government of Norway, I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the African Union on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union and its predecessor, the OAU, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Eide, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU.
- On behalf of the Government of Norway, I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the African Union on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union and its predecessor, the OAU, sa utenriksminister Espen Barth Eide da han hilste til 50-årsdagen for Organisasjonen av afrikanske stater/Den afrikanske union.
On behalf of the Government of Norway, I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the African Union on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union and its predecessor, the OAU.
On behalf of the Government of Norway, I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the African Union on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union and its predecessor, the OAU.
The coming together of free African nations through the OAU contributed in a significant way to the liberation of the African continent from colonialism and apartheid.
The coming together of free African nations through the OAU contributed in a significant way to the liberation of the African continent from colonialism and apartheid.
As the member states of the OAU decided to take the next step and establish the African Union, they resolved to create a powerful force for peace, democracy and prosperity for the peoples of Africa.
As the member states of the OAU decided to take the next step and establish the African Union, they resolved to create a powerful force for peace, democracy and prosperity for the peoples of Africa.
The OAU and the AU have seen Africa through fifty transformative years.
The OAU and the AU have seen Africa through fifty transformative years.
Freedom came at a high price.
Freedom came at a high price.
The newly independent countries faced many challenges.
The newly independent countries faced many challenges.
Yet, Africa today is more peaceful, prosperous and full of promise than ever.
Yet, Africa today is more peaceful, prosperous and full of promise than ever.
Norway’s engagement with Africa is broad and long-term.
Norway’s engagement with Africa is broad and long-term.
The political role of the AU is increasing, and Norway sees the AU as a key partner in both regional and global affairs.
The political role of the AU is increasing, and Norway sees the AU as a key partner in both regional and global affairs.
We appreciate the strong engagement of the AU for economic and political integration in Africa.
We appreciate the strong engagement of the AU for economic and political integration in Africa.
We actively support its strengthened efforts to address challenges to peace and security through conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes and peace operations.
We actively support its strengthened efforts to address challenges to peace and security through conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes and peace operations.
I feel privileged to visit Addis Abeba on this occasion and take part in the anniversary celebrations.
I feel privileged to visit Addis Abeba on this occasion and take part in the anniversary celebrations.
I honor the political will and commitment of the AU and its member states to provide African answers to Africa’s challenges and opportunities.
I honor the political will and commitment of the AU and its member states to provide African answers to Africa’s challenges and opportunities.
Norway strongly supports your work to fully realize the vision of a people-centered Union.
Norway strongly supports your work to fully realize the vision of a people-centered Union.
And I pledge the full backing of my Government for the efforts of the AU as it prepares to lead Africa into the next fifty years.
And I pledge the full backing of my Government for the efforts of the AU as it prepares to lead Africa into the next fifty years.
(This text is published in an official publication made for the anniversary.)
(This text is published in an official publication made for the anniversary.)
Opening statement by State Secretary Espen Barth Eide 13 January at a conference organized by the Nordic Union of Somali Peace and Development Organizations on “Peace, Dialogue and Combating Radicalization”.
Statssekretær Espen Barth Eide vektla blant annet den somaliske diasporaens viktige rolle i arbeidet for å skape en positiv utvikling i Somalia i sitt åpningsinnlegg på konferansen i regi av Nordic Union of Somali Peace and Development Organizations om “Peace, Dialogue and Combating Radicalization” i Oslo 13. januar 2011.
other distinguished guests and friends of Somalia.
other distinguished guests and friends of Somalia.
Welcome to Norway and to Oslo.
Welcome to Norway and to Oslo.
It is a great pleasure to be here at the opening of this important and very timely conference on the current situation in Somalia and the difficult issue of combating the problem of radicalization.
It is a great pleasure to be here at the opening of this important and very timely conference on the current situation in Somalia and the difficult issue of combating the problem of radicalization.
I would like to congratulate the organizers – the “Nordic Union of Somali Peace and Development Organizations” – for this initiative, and for standing up to face the challenges this involves.
I would like to congratulate the organizers – the “Nordic Union of Somali Peace and Development Organizations” – for this initiative, and for standing up to face the challenges this involves.
I think it is particularly important that these issues can be discussed also in a broader Nordic context, and for this reason I would like especially to welcome our friends from the Somali Diaspora in the other Nordic countries.
I think it is particularly important that these issues can be discussed also in a broader Nordic context, and for this reason I would like especially to welcome our friends from the Somali Diaspora in the other Nordic countries.