Scandinavia should be made into one big country, says Norwegian billionaire

‘Think what a great country we would have been together’, said hotel tycoon Petter Stordalen

Norway is in the European Economic Area but not the EU

A Norwegian billionaire has suggested his country should unite with Sweden and Denmark to create one unified Scandinavian nation.

Petter Stordalen, the owner of the Nordic Choice Hotel Group, surprised his fellow Norwegians by making the comments in an interview on May 17, a national holiday in Norway celebrating independence.

Speaking to Swedish newspaper Göteborgs Posten, Mr Stordalen praised Sweden’s capacity for innovation, and said that Norway should be seen as Sweden’s most important partner due to their proximity, similar languages, culture and history.

He went on to suggest Denmark could also be incorporated into one Scandinavian super-state, English language Danish site thelocal.dk reports.

Billionaire hotel tycoon Petter Stordalen (Anna Sigvardsson/Svenska Massan)

“In Sweden there are 10 million people. In Norway and Denmark, five million each. 20 million would have been even better, whether it is about selling cars, aeroplanes or innovation,” he said.

“Think about what a fantastic country we would have been together,” he added.

The suggestion has seen a mixed reaction online, including the idea a newly formed Scandinavian nation could provide a means for Sweden to exit the EU.

“Yes, why not. Together we are stronger,” wrote Twitter user Christina Kastin.

“The best idea in a long time! And we leave the EU!” tweeted Petter Nikklaus.

Another Twitter user, with the handle Lewenhard said: “Have said it before and say it again - let's form a Nordic federation. Size matters.”

But others were less excited by the prospect of a single Scandinavian nation. One Twitter use, Xabilution, said: “Stordalen will merge Norway, Sweden and Denmark. How about giving your employees a decent salary first, Petter?”

It’s not the first time Mr Stordalen has made headlines through outlandish behaviour. Last year he banned sausages and bacon from his hotel chain, before changing his mind a week later, and last summer the billionaire made international headlines after crashing his jet ski at the opening event for one of his hotels.