Norway's Trade and Industry Minister meets Commissioner Busquin

Newly-elected Minister, Mr Angsar Gabrielsen headed the Norwegian delegation which came to Brussels to discuss Norway's participation in EU research, and in particular their country's role during the transition period between the fifth and sixth framework programmes.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Norway is a member, will only decide whether it wants to take part in the Sixth Framework Programme after it has been finally adopted by the European Union.
Commissioner Busquin stressed that there would be flexibility in the system to ensure Norwegian scientists and researchers are not sidelined while the decision-making process runs its course.

The Norwegian party invited the Commissioner to visit Svarlbard, the Arctic laboratory for environmental and polar research, next July.