Norway and Iceland push EU to shield them from tariff retaliation on U.S.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide says he is cautiously optimistic that Norway and Iceland will avoid being targeted by potential European Union countermeasures, following increased tariffs imposed by the United States.

In comments made to Icelandic broadcaster RÚV, Eide claimed that both countries have held constructive talks with the European Commission and are working hard to secure exemptions.

“We’ve had very good conversations, both individually and jointly, with the Commission,” Eide said.”The European Commission fully agrees that barriers should not be introduced within the internal market. So the will is there; we are friends and we will resolve this. The willingness is there—we are friends, and we’ll find a solution.”

The EU is considering how to respond to the U.S. trade measures, but Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein—though part of the EU’s internal market—are not members of the customs union or its common trade policy. This puts Brussels in a difficult position under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, as it would have to justify treating these countries differently from others outside the EU.

Eide said Norway and Iceland are prepared to assist the EU in making that case. “This isn’t about political will—it’s about technical implementation,” he said, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts between the two nations.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is in Brussels today to discuss the matter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir is expected to follow on Wednesday for similar meetings.

“Brussels has a lot on its plate. That’s why we have to keep reminding them every day—and I’m working very closely with Icelandic authorities on this,” Eide said.