English
EU Hits Norwegian Industry? Massive Opposition in the Fjords
The European Union has introduced tariffs and minimum prices on ferroalloys. Fot. Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.5/Røed
The Red Party is demanding a decisive response from the government to the EU’s protective tariffs on ferroalloys. The party wants Oslo to ignore some of the rules of the European Economic Area and provide cheap energy to companies threatened by the new regulations. According to the Reds, the time has come to stop making concessions and defend domestic industry.
The leader of the Reds, Marie Sneve Martinussen, is calling on the government to respond to Brussels’ actions with full determination. Referring to a popular football chant, she emphasizes that the government must give "alt for Norge – do everything for Norway."
In her view, the EU’s decision is a blow to the Norwegian economy, despite previous energy solidarity with Europe. Martinussen claims that the EU’s actions undermine trust in the European Economic Area, which was supposed to guarantee market access. She believes the current situation exposes the real limitations of the agreement.
In her view, the EU’s decision is a blow to the Norwegian economy, despite previous energy solidarity with Europe. Martinussen claims that the EU’s actions undermine trust in the European Economic Area, which was supposed to guarantee market access. She believes the current situation exposes the real limitations of the agreement.
Tariffs and Minimum Prices: Jobs and Exports at Risk
The EU has approved protective tariffs and introduced minimum prices on ferroalloys such as ferrosilicon and ferromanganese. Norway accounts for 43% of these products imported into the EU, and according to the Norwegian Industry Association, 2,500 jobs and exports worth NOK 20 billion annually are at risk.
The Red Party proposes a return to Norway’s former industrial energy system—in which Statkraft acted as a political tool to provide cheap energy contracts. Currently, long-term agreements are much more expensive than in the past, which—according to the Reds—weakens companies’ competitiveness. The party argues that Norway must protect itself from European price transfers.
The Red Party proposes a return to Norway’s former industrial energy system—in which Statkraft acted as a political tool to provide cheap energy contracts. Currently, long-term agreements are much more expensive than in the past, which—according to the Reds—weakens companies’ competitiveness. The party argues that Norway must protect itself from European price transfers.
2,500 jobs and exports worth NOK 20 billion annually are at risk.Photo: Fotolia
Political Tensions and Concerns in Industrial Regions
In industrial regions such as Sauda, concerns are growing about the future of Eramet plants. Similar risks apply to companies like Elkem, Finnfjord, and Ferroglobe, which may feel the impact of tariffs and minimum prices.
Centre Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum calls the EU’s decision unacceptable and urges the government to take countermeasures. He points out that Oslo should consider freezing funds from the European Economic Area and introducing an export fee on energy. Meanwhile, the Red Party emphasizes that the current system, in which domestic industry pays European energy rates, is an absurd solution.
Centre Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum calls the EU’s decision unacceptable and urges the government to take countermeasures. He points out that Oslo should consider freezing funds from the European Economic Area and introducing an export fee on energy. Meanwhile, the Red Party emphasizes that the current system, in which domestic industry pays European energy rates, is an absurd solution.
Three Years of New Rules and Time for Decisions
The tariffs and minimum prices will be in force for three years, covering both part of exports and new settlement rules if prices fall below thresholds set by the EU. During this time, the Norwegian government and industrial sector will have to find effective tools to protect competitiveness.
The political debate is gaining momentum, with more parties presenting their own proposals for action. The coming months will show how Norway adapts to the new realities imposed by Brussels.
The political debate is gaining momentum, with more parties presenting their own proposals for action. The coming months will show how Norway adapts to the new realities imposed by Brussels.
Dodaj komentarz
Wyślij