Norway's European Crossroads
A pivotal moment in national history: The 1972 decision on European Community membership.
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The Referendum Context
A Nation Divided
On 25 September 1972, Norway held a referendum on whether to join the European Community (EC). This vote followed a period of intense national debate, deeply dividing the country over the implications of membership for sovereignty, economy, and national identity.
The Outcome
The "no" side ultimately prevailed, with 53.5% of the vote rejecting membership. This outcome led to the resignation of Prime Minister Trygve Bratteli, who had been a prominent advocate for joining the EC. This marked Norway's first national referendum on EC membership, though it had previously faced accession hurdles, including a French veto in 1963 and a temporary setback in 1967.
Political Landscape
The referendum was a significant event in Norwegian political history, influencing party alignments and public discourse for years. The broader political context of Norway is often detailed in resources like the "Politics of Norway" sidebar found on related Wikipedia pages, which typically covers the constitution, government structure, parliament, elections, and foreign relations.
Key Endorsements
Vote Against EF
A broad coalition of organizations campaigned against membership, emphasizing concerns about national sovereignty and the impact on Norwegian industries and culture.
Vote For EF
Supporters of EC membership, including many in government and business, argued for the economic benefits and increased influence within Europe.
Referendum Results
National Outcome
The referendum saw a high turnout, with a clear majority voting against membership in the European Community.
| Choice | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | 971,687 | 46.49% | |
| Against | 1,118,281 | 53.51% | |
| Total Valid Votes | 2,089,968 | 100.00% | |
Turnout and Validity
The referendum engaged a significant portion of the electorate, reflecting the importance of the decision.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Registered Voters | 2,680,907 |
| Total Votes Cast | 2,096,356 |
| Turnout | 78.20% |
| Invalid/Blank Votes | 6,388 (0.30%) |
Results by Constituency
Regional Variations
The results of the referendum showed significant regional differences. While the national outcome was a rejection of EC membership, support varied considerably across Norway's constituencies. The accompanying map visually represents these geographical patterns, highlighting areas with higher 'Yes' or 'No' votes.
| Constituency | Electorate | Spoilt Votes | Total Poll (%) | For (%) | Against (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| รstfold | 152,837 | 392 | 80% | 49% | 51% |
| Akershus | 217,851 | 542 | 83% | 57% | 43% |
| Oslo | 356,153 | 619 | 82% | 67% | 33% |
| Hedmark | 124,960 | 519 | 80% | 44% | 56% |
| Oppland | 120,082 | 314 | 79% | 40% | 60% |
| Buskerud | 139,999 | 400 | 79% | 54% | 46% |
| Vestfold | 155,338 | 247 | 79% | 57% | 43% |
| Telemark | 108,485 | 211 | 78% | 38% | 62% |
| Aust-Agder | 55,276 | 138 | 74% | 46% | 54% |
| Vest-Agder | 81,707 | 177 | 79% | 43% | 57% |
| Rogaland | 174,925 | 309 | 79% | 45% | 55% |
| Hordaland | 248,675 | 511 | 80% | 49% | 51% |
| Sogn og Fjordane | 67,335 | 153 | 77% | 31% | 69% |
| Mรธre og Romsdal | 146,917 | 240 | 78% | 29% | 71% |
| Sรธr-Trรธndelag | 159,730 | 248 | 77% | 42% | 58% |
| Nord-Trรธndelag | 77,954 | 107 | 78% | 32% | 68% |
| Nordland | 157,183 | 549 | 77% | 27% | 73% |
| Troms | 88,174 | 385 | 76% | 30% | 70% |
| Finnmark | 47,326 | 327 | 76% | 30% | 70% |
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website regarding political events, historical context, or referendum outcomes is for general knowledge and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute political, historical, or legal consultation. Always consult with qualified experts and primary sources for definitive analysis and decision-making.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.