Norway to join the European Union after all?

In 2002 the real gross domestic product increased in Norway by 1¼% and corresponded to the western European average. On the labour market the situation remained stable and the unemployment rate averaged 3.9% for the year. The cost of living increased by around 1.3%. In 2003 real GDP will expand by only about 1%. The unemployment rate will increase to 4½% on average for the year, and consumer prices will be around 2½% above the level of 2002. In 2004 economic activity will gain momentum. Real GDP should increase by around 2½%. The unemployment rate will still remain at 4½%, however. Inflation will amount to 2¾%.