why is norway not in the eu

Norway is not in the European Union primarily due to concerns about losing sovereignty and control over key national industries. Norwegians have historically voted against EU membership in referendums (1972 and 1994) mainly because they want to maintain autonomy, especially over their fishing waters and natural resources like oil and gas. Norway values control over its fisheries and fears that joining the EU would subject it to the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, allowing other EU countries to fish in Norwegian waters. Additionally, many Norwegians prefer to avoid ceding parts of their national sovereignty to EU institutions. Although Norway participates extensively in the European Economic Area (EEA) and follows many EU regulations, it lacks voting rights and policy influence within the EU itself, a situation sometimes seen as a democratic deficit but still accepted domestically to preserve national control. Recent polls show some increasing support for EU membership, but overall opposition remains significant, rooted in these core economic and sovereignty concerns.