Can you compare the Nordic countries to Britain in relation to European integration?

British EU-researchers often regard their own country as an awkward participant in European integration, and in the newly published Nordic states and European integration: awkward partners in the North? (eds. Stegman-McCallion & Brianson, Palgrave Macmillan 2017) the Nordic countries are included in this label. The question in the title is answered conformingly in the book’s conclusion.

This is, however, actually misleading, Hans Mouritzen argues in his review of the book in International Affairs (03/2018; 94(2)). The Nordic countries developed their welfare societies and security community long before the birth of the EU. Contrary to the Southern European countries, liberated from their own dictators or to the Eastern European countries, freed from communism, The Nordic countries did not stand “hat in hand” in relation to the EU. They did not need saving, they could adapt a cautious attitude and carefully weigh expected pros and cons, even if the outcome was different in the different countries: Finland chose to become a full member without opt-outs; Sweden and Denmark became members with opt-outs while Norway and Iceland remained non-members but with participation in the inner market and the Schengen-agreement. But the rational approach was identical. None of the Nordic countries would risk established achievements. There is nothing awkward about that. And none of the three Nordic members of the EU has the slightest intention of following in British footsteps.

If you insist on using a term such as “awkward” it is actually the Visegrad-countries, not least Poland and Hungary, that fit this label. But in spite of their declared “illiberalism” and breach of the basic values of the EU, they too have no intention of leaving the club. This is indeed somewhat awkward.