Switzerland, Norway and Iceland REFUSE to join the EU. Why?

Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland: three nations with deep European roots that remain outside the European Union, despite their geographical and cultural ties. But why? As we delve into their unique histories and political decisions, we'll uncover the reasons behind their choice to stand apart from their EU counterparts. Furthermore, their membership in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) adds another layer to this intricate relationship. Join us as we also explore their present-day interactions and agreements with the EU, offering a comprehensive understanding of their positions in the European landscape.

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Sources:
Source 2: Systems Change Alliance, Why Norway Refused to join the EU
Source 4: BBC, Iceland's Fishing Industry
Source 5: Gallup: Largest Portion of Icelanders Favour Joining the European Union
Source 6: Webwire, Credit Suisse Europe Barometer
Source 9: Wikipedia, European Single Market
Source 10: Youtube, the European Union Explained
Source 12: EFTA, European Free Trade Association

[p.h.]

They don't "refuse". They don't want to. There is no obligation WHATSOEVER to be member of the EU. Regards from the 🇪🇺

[rolandomunari]

As an Italian living in Switzerland, I feel that one of the biggest deals here is direct democracy/self determination: so far it seems like that has worked pretty well for the country and the people.

[theTomster]

as a Swiss I love that we can decide ourselves which laws we want and which we don‘t want, how much taxes we have to pay and how the government gets to spend that money.

[caddystube]

3 of the highest GDP per capita in the world. Why would they give up their sovereignty!?

[abelsuisse]

The main hurdle for Switzerland is direct democracy. Cantonal and federal constitutions can be amended by the people with an initiative launched by the people. Laws can be challenged by the people with referenda launched by the people.

However, EU law would always go unchallenged. This goes completely against the democratic core of Switzerland.

I'm not saying that the EU is undemocratic, I love the EU, but swiss style democracy can't fit in the EU in its current form.

[rjung_ch]

As a Swiss myself, I see it as a good thing we are not part of the EU.

[tomppeli.]

Another thing in common with all of the countries in question is that they're all quite wealthy, which makes them more capable to be independent.

Less well-off countries seek financial stability in the EU.

[giovannidalpozzolo]

As an Italian, I sure as hell don't trust neither italian people nor italian politicians to make good decisions for my country, so I like that there's someone keeping them in check. These nations are successfull and functional as they are, so good for them!

[Triggas]

The real reason Norway is not in the EU is to preserve the Finland-Sweden shape

[hAn_TYkje]

Norwegian here. We say no to the EU because we don't want the EU to take and control our oil, gas and fish, along with a lot of other things.

[elementalgolem]

Norway is heading further from EU membership in terms of public opinion is my experience as a Norwegian. It generally doesn't benefit us, and put current agreement seems unfair to most. Being forced to follow EU policies and contribute significantly to the budget

[bogdanmigulski]

Let Switzerland, Norway and Iceland continue to do what's best for them, while the EU continues to do what's best for Germany.

[split_bug]

Another large part as to why Norway doesn't wish to join is its agriculture. For reasons that should seem obvious, agriculture isn't as easy in Norway as it is in for example France. If the country were to join, most farmers would go out of business, for it would be simply cheaper to import.

[ianjones]

Refuse is a strong word. They simply don't want to join. Nobody is trying to force them

[tisiphone]

As a Swiss, I think it’s best to stay out of the EU. At least we can retain some of our last shreds of sovereignty.

[earlofcruisegw]

A major aspect of ICELAND not joining EU is the Financial Crisis and the bankrupt of banks which refused to repay funds to EU investors, that would have desdtroyed the state budget

[Arbaaltheundefeated]

For Norway, another reason I often hear cited is also the widespread belief, whether true or not, that joining the EU would bring with it a requirement (if not an immediate legal requirement, then being subject to pressure over time) to open up our offshore oil reserves for private foreign enterprise (which would be easily argued as breaking our constitution which declares the natural resources of Norway belong to its people), whereas currently the oil is a state affair that makes all its proceeds function as public money, though it is mostly invested, with only a limited quantity being spent in each budget, so as to avoid escalating inflation.

[puma]

as a Swiss I am not inclined to change my Direct Democracy for Brussel's rule... we already have the best of the agreements

[Mosern]

As a Norwegian, I think this video was very good. Joining the EU is not on the table, however our politicians have snuck us closer and closer to the EU over time. Making us more or less de-facto EU members. I wish we had real democracy like Switzerland, but alas, we are stuck with "representative democracy", as the opposition to EU is larger in the population than amongst the politicians.

[KrishKapoor-offn]

Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future.., I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life!!