Co-operation in Europe
Through our membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) and cooperation on common environmental issues our relations with the European Union (EU) are paramount. Norway adopts most of the EU environmental policies and legislation. More than 250 environmental acquis have been incorporated into the EEA agreement. In addition, the EEA Financial Mechanisms were established in connection with the enlargement of the EU and EEA in 2004 and 2007. Norway, together with Iceland and Liechenstein, has made available more than 1,3 billion euros to the beneficiary states in the period 2004-2009.
Jointly with the EU, USA and Canada we also work together with central and eastern European countries in a bid to resolve the many environmental challenges this region is facing.
The United Nations
The United Nations (UN), in particular the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), plays a key role in all international environment issues.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The Commision on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established in 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of the UN summit in Rio de Janeiro. The CSD meets annually in New York, in two-year cycles, with each cycle focusing on clusters of specific thematic and cross-sectoral issues. In 2002 the World Summit on Sustainable Developement (WSSD) was held in Johannesburg. The outcome of the summit was the Johannesburg Joint Plan of Implementation.
International cooperation is also vital to ensure the state of the Antarctic, which is the area least affected by human activities on Earth.
WTO
Globalization of the world economy and Norway’s adoption of the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) rules for international trade mean that our own national environment policies are increasingly influenced by commercial competition, economic and political factors, decisions taken in other parts of the world, and the workings of international organisations. Norway’s position is to help shape these frameworks in the direction of sustainable development while avoiding any weakening of our national policies.
World Trade Organisation (WTO)
OECD
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is another important forum where environmental concerns must gradually find a permanent place in efforts to promote economic cooperation and development.
Organisation for Ecnomic Cooperation and Development (OECD)