Will There Be a Hard Border on the Ireland-Norway Border if a No-Deal Brexit Occurs? Insights and Explanations

Understanding the potential implications of a no-deal Brexit on the Ireland-Norway border can be complex. Given that there is no border between Norway and Ireland, and that the geographical distance between these two countries necessitates an understanding of the broader context surrounding the Brexit scenario, this article delves into the reasons why there would not be a hard border issue.

Geographical Context of the Ireland-Norway Border

The absence of a border between Ireland and Norway stems from the geographical configuration of the region. The two countries are situated on opposite ends of the North European Peninsula, with the island of Ireland separated by the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea from Norway. The island of Great Britain is situated between these two significant landmasses, and there is no physical land connection between Norway and Ireland.

For instance, the distance between the closest points of Ireland and Norway is approximately 750 kilometers (470 miles), which is significantly greater than the distance between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (about 200 kilometers or 120 miles). Furthermore, the North Sea, an expanse of water, separates Great Britain and Norway, adding to this distance.

No-Deal Brexit and the Irish Border

One of the key issues in discussions surrounding a no-deal Brexit is the potential for the return of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The political and logistical complexities of maintaining a soft border were already challenging, and the threat of a hard border after Brexit has been a significant concern.

However, it is crucial to note that the lack of a border between Ireland and Norway is not due to any specific provisions or agreements made in the context of Brexit. Rather, the absence of a land border is a direct result of the geographical distance between the two countries and the natural barriers such as water bodies and the intervening landmass of Great Britain and the North Sea.

Implications of a No-Deal Brexit on the Ireland-Norway Border

In a no-deal Brexit scenario, there would be no immediate impact on the Ireland-Norway border, as there is no land border between the two countries. The concerns related to a no-deal Brexit primarily revolve around the potential new customs and regulatory checks that might be implemented between the UK and the EU, which would not affect Norway.

However, it is important to understand that a no-deal Brexit could still have broader implications for the UK's relationship with the EU, including changes in trade policies. These changes could indirectly affect Norway, which, as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and a signatory to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), has a complex relationship with the EU. Any changes in trade regulations or economic policies by the UK could indirectly impact Norway's trade relations with the EU.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the absence of a border between Ireland and Norway, and the fact that there would not be a hard border on this nonexistent border, is a direct result of the geographical separation of the two countries, and not directly influenced by the Brexit scenario. The primary concerns related to Brexit revolve around the potential for a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and the broader implications of a no-deal Brexit on the UK's relationship with the EU, which could indirectly affect Norway.