Transport and Reputation EU, Norway, and Logistical Operations in the Barents region

• Main Author: Caijun Zhao
• Other Authors: Tobias Etzold
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: NTNU 2021
• Subjects: Norway; barents region
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/11250/2775872

This study aims to investigate how the EU exerts its influence in the Barents Region through cooperation with Norway in the cross-border transport sector. To achieve sustainable development in Norway’s northernmost territory, developing green, efficient, and safe transport becomes the main objective of the Norwegian National Transport Plan and the Joint Barents Transport Plan, in which the importance of ports are emphasized. The importance of transportation has been addressed by discussing its roles in Geopolitics and sustainable development theories. Given the reputation of Norway as a Polar nation, its geopolitical weight and rich resources, Norway is an important strategic partner of the EU. At the same time, the EU managed to participate in the Barents transport cooperation by using its economic strength, regulatory power, financial support and rich knowledge gained from its experience of developing the TEN-T. Besides, the transport cooperation in the Barents region could strengthen the EU’s ideas of the Single Market and Freedom Movements and may bring the EU reputation for being involved in future projects in this region.