The real reason why the EU has been very eager in having Norway as a member.  The map shows us Norway and Sweden dangling like two cherries.

Without Norway, this is how it looks like. On your top right is Sweden and beside it, Finland.  Ok, be honest now, what do you see? Sweden as a limp dick and Finland as its balls? Yes, 4.5 years in this country has turned me into a no nonsense, straight to the point kind of woman.  Sometimes, the reason can be as mediocre as this.  After all, image is everything.