Just a nit pick, but Norway is not an EU country. So you probably meant "other European countries" instead. However, it also means they don't necessarily have to abide by any EU regulations when it comes to cash payments.
Really good news: in Norway, the right to pay cash has been enshrined in law, as of Oct 1st. Retail will no longer be able to refuse cash for payments up to $2000.
Meanwhile, in other EU countries you're _prohibited_ from accepting that much cash!
https://www.norges-bank.no/en/topics/notes-and-coins/the-right-to-pay-cash/