The EU-debate in the former euro-sceptic fishing nation Iceland is heating up, as banks, business interests and labour unions are all calling for EU-membership and adoption of the Euro. An Icelandic membership may also trigger a new debate on Norwegian membership to the EU.

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Yes, it might become a reality next year. Eva Joly, a Norwegian-born woman with both a French and Norwegian passport, have been suggested to top the French Green‘s list for the European Parliament elections next year, according to several media reports.

Joly, who became famous in France for her anti-corruption work as a judge, is currently working for the Norwegian government as a special advisor on economic corruption. I find two things especially interesting in relation to this. 

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This recent article from the Norwegian Mission to the EU gives a good overview of Norwegian bloggers on EU-affairs. Composed by their skill-full information officer Frode Dal Fjeldavli, the article contains a non-exhaustive list of the most up-dated blogs. 

This is the first overview of its kind, as far as I know, and I hope it can inspire more people in Norway to blog about the EU. The issue is receiving far too little attention considering how important the EU is to Norway. 

Some of my favourite blogs of Bente Kalsnes and Jon Worth receives extensive coverage. A new pro-European blog did not reach the list, but its probably because he just started blogging, but have a look at Trygve’s blog as well.

Have a look and get inspired! 

The Australian and New Zealand authorities have been encourage by over 100 NGO’s to cater for the expected climate refugees from the pacific islands ahead of a Pacific Islands Leadership Forum this week, according ABC News. The EU should consider to follow suit.

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The work on my dissertation on Climate Refugees and the EU response is progressing. Last week I worked mostly with the official documents from the negotiations leading up to the adoption of the Qualifications Directive. The most interesting thing has been to see how some member states have actively worked against making a directive that would also give some rights of protection to people fleeing from natural disasters. The European Parliament opinion also seemed to have been partly ignored.

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