EUsammenheng

EUsammenheng is a Norwegian term used to describe the set of European Union rules, policies, and contexts that are relevant when evaluating or designing national or regional policy. It refers to the EU legal framework, policy objectives, and institutional practices that can influence domestic decision-making.

The scope of EUsammenheng includes binding legislation such as directives and regulations, as well as non-binding policy recommendations and EU funding programs. It covers EU internal market rules, competition law, state aid control, environmental and consumer protection standards, energy and climate policy, agricultural policy, and regional development. It also encompasses EU governance processes, such as the work of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU, which can shape national choices through negotiations, jurisprudence, and policy guidance.

In practice, authorities use EUsammenheng to ensure that policy analysis, impact assessments, regulation drafting, and public procurement are compatible with EU law and policy directions. It guides transposition of directives into national law, informs enforcement and monitoring, and helps anticipate future EU developments that may affect national programs or budgets. For member states and associated economies, EUsammenheng also involves alignment with EU institutional processes and consideration of EU funding opportunities, such as structural and investment funds. For non-members, influence arises mainly through the European Economic Area framework and other agreements that bring EU rules into effect to varying degrees.

Overall, EUsammenheng describes how EU rules and policies intersect with and shape domestic policy planning, implementation, and governance.