A humanitarian superpower outside the EU? Norway’s autonomy vis-à-vis the EU in development, humanitarian aid, peace diplomacy and international organisations

Humanitarian aid, assistance, and peace diplomacy constitute vital elements of Norway's foreign policy both historically and presently. Norway has earned recognition as humanitarian superpower, a nation dedicated to peace, a major contributor to aid, and the UN’s best friend. Many would say that Norway's scope for action in these areas has been significant precisely because Norway has stood outside the EU, maintaining neutrality and autonomy vis-à-vis European neighbours. Norway's involvement as a mediator in Colombia exemplifies this commitment. In terms of development policy, Norway has chosen to collaborate primarily with specific European countries like Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany, while deliberately keeping a certain distance from the EU. In contrast, within the EU, development policy is a shared competence between the EU's institutions and its member states. While individual member states pursue their own national development agendas, they also contribute to shaping a cohesive European development policy. Consequently, the EU has gradually assumed the role of a coordinator in this realm. This is reflected, for example, in EU member states coordinating and negotiating a common position in relevant international organizations such as the UN and OECD. Such collaboration provides the EU with enhanced bargaining power when dealing with non-member entities, acting collectively as a unified bloc. This paper aims to examine Norway's position as a humanitarian powerhouse, considering the escalating influence of the EU as a coordinator within this policy sphere. Initially, it outlines three potential scenarios for the future of EU integration: heightened integration and consolidation, a more diversified EU, and a more intergovernmental and fragmented EU. For instance, increased consolidation may result in a unified EU voice within the UN. Despite Norway maintaining its autonomy as a non-EU member, it may face mounting pressure from a unified European voice in the UN, resembling the existing situation within the OECD. Conversely, the fragmentation scenario could elevate the standing of major aid-contributing nations, compelling Norway to leverage its role as a humanitarian powerhouse to influence its European allies. Recent trends among prominent aid-contributing nations indicate a shift towards pursuing national interests and advocating for individual benefits—an inclination that is mirrored, to some extent, in Norway's political landscape. Notably, the UK has notably downsized its aid budget, dissolved the esteemed Department for International Development (DFID), and realigned its objectives in alignment with national political priorities. The paper will shed light on how Norway may be pressured and influenced by these national shifts in its cooperation with its allies, but also how Norway has the opportunity to consolidate its role as a neutral peacemaker and humanitarian superpower.