Oslo – ESI meetings on migration, democracy and Europe’s liberal future

27 May 2025
Gerald Knaus. Photo: ESI
Gerald Knaus. Photo: ESI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus visited Oslo for a series of high-level meetings and discussions with Norwegian policymakers, civil society representatives and human rights defenders. The visit included exchanges at the ministry of foreign affairs, the ministry of justice, and the Norwegian parliament.

In a closed-door lunch session hosted by the Green Party’s international committee in parliament, Gerald presented ideas under the title “Democratic peace in Europe – A liberal project 2030.” He outlined proposals for how liberal democracies in and outside the EU, including Norway, can contribute to defending rule of law, democracy and human rights across Europe. The discussion focused on future strategies for Norwegian foreign policy in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

At the ministry of foreign affairs, Gerald discussed the role of the European Economic Area (EEA) in upholding democratic values. He highlighted how Norway’s positive experience with the EEA and participation in the EU single market offers important lessons and can serve as an inspiration for accelerating EU enlargement, especially in the Western Balkans. At the ministry of justice, the focus was on European migration policy and the Norwegian approach to current challenges.

The visit also included conversations with members of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, as well as with prominent Russian human rights defenders Vladimir and Evgenia Kara-Murza. Gerald also visited the Oslo Freedom Forum, which brought together global voices working for freedom and justice under authoritarian regimes.