The Soviet Union joins

The Conclusion

The Soviet Union formally acceded to the treaty in 1935.

Norway's sovereignty over the territory is to be regarded as binding on all states. However, only the subjects of the treaty parties enjoy the rights to equal treatment, while at the same time all the world's states are free to accede to the treaty. Provided that the Svalbard Treaty is still in force in its original wording, it is one of very few elements of the peace settlement after the First World War that has survived all later territorial and political upheavals in Europe up to the start of the 21st century.

Rules on equal treatment, taxation and military activity By virtue of its sovereignty over the territory, Norway lays down laws and regulations for Svalbard and enforces them, in line with what applies to other parts of Norway. However, several provisions of the treaty contain wording on equal treatment of the citizens and companies of the treaty powers. In a number of cases these provisions affect the design of Norwegian laws and regulations and the management of the territory. According to the text of the treaty, equal treatment also applies in the territorial waters of the archipelago.