3. Option: Join (or remain in) the European Economic Area (The Norwegian Model)
- Brian Lehaney
- Dec 8, 2016
- 1 min read
The reason it is posed as ‘join or remain in’ is that currently, as an EU member, the UK is part of the EEA. EEA member states must be members of the EU or EFTA – at the moment. This is what is stipulated, but the EEA does not stipulate others could not join ...
This is what is known as the Norwegian model. Norway is of course part of EFTA. This would give single market access but would mean continuing with the four freedoms, which include freedom of movement of people. It would also mean paying about 83% as much into the EU budget as the UK currently does, without having any political input. Given the direct and indirect costs of Brexit this would be a very expensive option and, in reality, would cost more than being in the EU.
It would enable the government to state we had complied with the referendum, whilst in reality not doing anything other than paying more money. This option would anger both those in favour of Brexit and those against and is not logical, sensible or reasonable. It is therefore high on my list as a likely outcome.
Comments