He says that he sees that it could become a challenge for Norway if the US sharpens its tone both towards the EU and towards China at the same time. Then Norway could quickly end up in between, he believes.
– Trump says he is happy with tariffs and tariffs, he has talked about one hundred percent tariffs. We’ll see… when it comes down to it, it will hurt American interests and consumers. But here it is important that Norway works closely with our European partners, said Støre in the Storting’s question time on Wednesday.
When the EU’s heads of state and government meet for an informal summit in Budapest on Thursday, he will use the opportunity to raise the issue. In particular, he will once again remind that Norway is Europe’s most important gas supplier.
Challenged by Solberg
In question time, he was challenged by Conservative Party leader Erna Solberg on what preparations Norway has made – especially in a world where trade and foreign policy are woven more closely together.
Although we have access to the European market through the EEA agreement, we may risk being excluded if the EU and the US find joint solutions that do not include us, she pointed out.
– It is a precisely described challenge that we must acknowledge exists, said Støre.
Not served by major trade conflicts
During the Budapest meeting, he will speak to the President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen to remind that Norway and Europe have common interests that we must stand together for.
– We are benefited by there not being major trade conflicts, and we must use every opportunity to highlight this, said Støre.
Støre still believed that some of Trump’s rhetoric bears the mark of extreme statements made in an election campaign.
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**Interview with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Norway’s Trade Challenges amid U.S.-China Tensions**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Prime Minister Støre. With the recent remarks regarding heightened tariffs from the U.S. and the complexities of EU relations, how do you perceive Norway’s position in this evolving trade landscape?
**Støre:** It certainly poses a challenge for us. As we’ve seen, a toughened stance from the U.S. toward both the EU and China risks placing Norway in a difficult position. We must navigate these waters carefully to maintain our interests and partnerships.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned working closely with European partners. What specific steps are you planning to take at the upcoming EU summit in Budapest?
**Støre:** I plan to emphasize that Norway is a vital gas supplier to Europe and to remind our European partners of our shared interests. It’s crucial that we stand united against potential trade conflicts, which ultimately hurt all parties involved.
**Interviewer:** Erna Solberg raised concerns about Norway’s potential exclusion from negotiations that may arise between the EU and the U.S. How prepared is Norway to counteract this risk?
**Støre:** We recognize that this challenge exists, especially with the intertwining of trade and foreign policy. By proactively engaging in dialogue with our European partners, we aim to ensure our interests are represented and that we remain integrated within the European market.
**Interviewer:** With all the political tensions and Trump’s extreme rhetoric, do you believe this might change after the elections, or could we be in for more of the same?
**Støre:** It’s difficult to predict, but I suspect much of what we hear now is designed for an election campaign. Regardless of the outcome, we must be vigilant and prepared to adapt to whatever comes next.
**Interviewer:** As readers digest these discussions, do you think there will be widespread support for continued collaboration with Europe, or do you anticipate divisions among them regarding U.S. relations?
**Støre:** That’s an important question. I hope for unity, but the complexities of national interests may fuel debate among citizens. I encourage readers to consider how our collective approach to global trade impacts not just Norway, but our shared future in Europe.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Støre, for your insights on these pressing trade challenges.
