Lessons from Norway

What I learned visiting Norway this weekend:

Norway is part of Schengen; calculating exchange rates between Swedish, Norwegian and Danish Kroners is complicated; 3 boxes of chocolate and an apple through airport security are ok--but 103 ml (instead of 100) of liquid in a bottle is not; the Eastern coast of Norway is stunning; Norwegians speak excellent English; and life is good.

Ok so this isn't so much about Brussels. But it was certainly inspiring for my internship. Norway is a Nordic country and an Arctic state, and will play a key role if ever an Arctic Treaty is drafted. So far Norway has resisted joining the EU; and therefore the Commission + Parliament suggestion for a Treaty may not be so well-received. But climate change is changing the "nature of the beast" when it comes to access to the Arctic and its natural resources. I'm working on a report that reviews these positions and any future potential for international cooperation for protection and sustainable development. To be continued...