The Progress Party will protect Norwegian foreign-policy interests in security, economy, autonomy and prestige. This will be ensured by supporting free trade, human rights and the building of alliances with democratic countries that share our core values. Traditional development policy with emphasis on foreign aid has not worked. It is naive to believe that dictatorships around the world are unaware of basic human rights. These countries must be pressured in international forums and through diplomatic relations. Developing countries must be given the opportunity to undergo economic growth and development. They must be allowed to sell their goods to Norway unimpeded by special duties and restrictions. We cannot accept a development policy that on one side assists the build-up of production capacities in poor countries, and on the other side impose restrictions on the import of goods from those same countries. The Progress Party believes that the key to development is the expansion of market economies, free trade, democracy and human rights. Norway is not a member of the EU. Regarding the question of possible future membership, the Progress Party will respect the will of the people through a referendum. We believe that reform of older international institutions such as the United Nations is needed to make them more effective, relevant and focused on the challenges that we are facing and will face in the future. The UN is not something sacred. A critical debate and examination of the UN and its role will not weaken, but rather strengthen, the organization.