Link to the European market

by Mrs Ingebjorg Sveen Brunborg

South Norway European Office has been operating in Brussels since January 2005 and was officially opened by the Norwegian Ambassador to Belgium on May 2. 2005. The background was the considerable interest from local and regional authorities. The objective behind the establishment is connected to the region's strategy for internationalisation and European cooperation.

The office is owned by Aust- and Vest-Agder County Councils, the municipalities of Aren-dal and Kristiansand and Agderradet.

The region of South Norway, called Sorlandet, consists of the regional area of Vest Agder and Aust Agder Counties. The region is 16.438 km² and has approximately 265.000 inhabitants. The main cities are Kristiansand and Arendal. The region is known for its coastline and islands. The inland region has its lakes, forest and mountains.

South Norway is a vital region with world leading competences within many business areas. It has a strong entrepreneurial environment and creative businesses. Exciting and varied business and competences attract high qualified employers to the region - and make them stay.

Brussels can be an important gate to the European market. South Norway European Office offers access to information and an extensive contact network.

South Norway has interesting research and educational environments that has good knowledge and experience in EU financed projects, and it is a strength to have a regional representative in Brussels. Brussels is a meeting place for European research partners and participants in EU projects.

South Norway European office is to contribute to the development of a more international business and society that uses the possibilities that Europe offers.