News

Information meeting on business opportunities in Norway as a result of the National Transport Plan 2014-23 and Upcoming Projects

[Ministry of Transport and Communications, 16.05.2013]

On 22 May 2013, the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications will arrange an information meeting in Leipzig, Germany, on business opportunities in Norway as a result of the National Transport Plan 2014-23 and Upcoming Projects.

Arctic Council welcomes new observers

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15.05.2013]

“I am pleased that six new countries and the EU have been granted observer status in the Arctic Council. This confirms the Arctic Council’s key position as an international forum for discussing Arctic issues,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, who is taking part in the Kiruna Ministerial Meeting.

Time schedule for the 800/900/1800 MHz Auction

[Ministry of Transport and Communications, 14.05.2013]

NPT has signed a contract with the UK based company DotEcon Ltd on consulting services for the award of frequencies in the 800, 900 and 1800 MHz bands. The start of the auction is planned for 2 December 2013.

Norway resumes development assistance to Mali

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 14.05.2013]

Elections in Mali have been announced with a view to ending the political crisis that has beset the country since the military coup last year. Norway will provide NOK 40 million in funding to support the election process and the transition to legitimate governance.

Election in Pakistan

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13.05.2013]

“I would like to congratulate Pakistan on a historic election. For the first time in the country’s history, a democratically elected government will be replaced by another democratically elected government,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Accreditation for the Barents Summit in Kirkenes 3–4 June 2013

Media Advisory

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13.05.2013]

The first 20 years of the Barents cooperation will be marked with a meeting of prime ministers in Kirkenes from 3 to 4 June. Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg will host the meeting. The deadline for accreditation is 27 May.

Change of political adviser in AD

[The Office of the Prime Minister, 10.05.2013]

The Office of the Prime Minister has appointed Mr. André Nerheim (36), special adviser, Blaker, as political adviser to Minister of Labour Anniken Huitfeldt from 13 May 2013. He succeeds Mr. Martin Henriksen, who wil resign from the post on the same date.

Proposal to allow up to 40 percent ownership control of salmon farming

[Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, 08.05.2013]

The Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs proposes to change the rules of ownership control of the aquaculture industry. It is proposed to allow companies to own up to 40 percent of production capacity in the salmon farming industry. At the same time, there will be more stringent requirements for activities in coastal districts.

Systemically important credit institutions and investment firms

[Ministry of Finance, 08.05.2013]

On 22 March 2013, the Ministry of Finance put forward a legislative proposal on new capital requirements for credit institutions and investment firms to implement expected new EEA rules corresponding to the EU CRR/CRD IV framework. According to the proposal, the Ministry may in a regulation determine criteria for assessing the systemic importance of credit institutions and investment firms, and establish special rules and special capital adequacy requirements for such institutions and firms.

Tobacco producers excluded from the Government Pension Fund Global

[Ministry of Finance, 08.05.2013]

The Ministry of Finance has excluded the American company Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc. and the Chinese company Huabao International Holdings Limited from the investment universe of the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) on account of their tobacco production. The decision is based on a recommendation from the Council on Ethics for the Fund.

Norway condemns attack on UN in Abyei

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 07.05.2013]

Norway condemns the attack on the UNISFA convoy in Abyei on 4 May in the strongest possible terms. Among the fatalities were an Ethiopian peacekeeper, the paramount chief of the Ngok Dinka tribe, Kuol Deng Majok, who was travelling in the convoy, and several young people.

Measures against begging

[Ministry of Justice and Public Security, 07.05.2013]

The Government proposes a comprehensive plan to limit begging.

Norway increases its assistance to Somalia to NOK 500 million

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 07.05.2013]

“Somalia is in a critical phase. Norway aims to support that the progress made so far is not reversed. That is why we are increasing our development assistance by NOK 150 million and strengthening our cooperation with the Government of Somalia,” said Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås.

Revised National Budget 2013

[Ministry of Finance, 07.05.2013]

Driven by demand from domestic sectors, including the petroleum sector, growth in the Mainland Norway economy is strong, in line with the average for the past 40 years. Nearly 75,000 more people are employed now than at the peak before the financial crises. Unemployment is significantly below the average of the past 25 years.

Changes among the state secretaries

[The Office of the Prime Minister, 07.05.2013]

In today’s session of the Council of State, Mr. Per Rune Henriksen has been honourably discharged from his post as state secretary to Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe. At the same time, Mr. Trygve Svensson (34), Ph.D. Fellow, Oslo, has been appointed state secretary to Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske.

International Conference on Right-wing Extremism and Hate Crime in Europe and Beyond

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 07.05.2013]

On 14 May, international experts and stakeholders will gather in Oslo for a two-day conference on right-wing extremism and hate crime directed towards minorities in Europe and beyond.

Additional funding for the fight against international crime

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 06.05.2013]

The Government is to provide NOK 26 million for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Reduced uplift in the petroleum tax system

[Ministry of Finance, 05.05.2013]

Today the Government proposes to reduce the uplift in the petroleum tax system from 7.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent. The overall uplift is thereby reduced from 30 per cent to 22 per cent. The proposal will lead to more efficient use of resources and over time lead to increased tax revenues.

The Norwegian Government announces measures to stimulate the mainland economy

[Ministry of Finance, 05.05.2013]

The Norwegian Government proposes tax changes from 2014 to strengthen competitiveness and profitability, and stimulate investments in the mainland economy. The corporate tax rate will be lowered, the tax credit scheme for R&D will be increased and a special first year depreciation for machinery will be introduced. At the same time the Government proposes an interest deduction limitation for interest expenses paid to related parties.

A growth package for businesses

[The Office of the Prime Minister, 05.05.2013]

The Norwegian Government today announces a growth package for mainland businesses. At the same time the Government will improve the petroleum tax system. The proposals aim to reduce the uneven development of different sectors of the Norwegian economy. – The proposals will ease the pressure for industries facing international competition and secure jobs, says Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

Norway to give additional NOK 100 million to help Syrian refugees

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 04.05.2013]

“The refugee crisis in Syria is on its way to becoming the worst since the Second World War. The Government is therefore increasing Norway’s assistance by NOK 100 million,” announced Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Surrogate maternity

[Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 02.05.2013]

Surrogate mothers are not permitted in Norway according to the Biotechnology Act and the Children Act. However, some Norwegians use a surrogate mother abroad. The tax office, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation and Bufetat have now received guidelines directing them on how to process cases relating to surrogate mothers in accordance with today's rules. This is to ensure the legal rights of the children who are already in Norway.

Visit by NATO Secretary General and the North Atlantic Council to Norway, 6–8 May

Notes to editors

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 30.04.2013]

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the North Atlantic Council are to visit Norway on 6–8 May. The North Atlantic Council will visit Bodø and Tromsø, while the NATO Secretary General will visit Bodø and Oslo. The programme in Oslo includes an audience at the Royal Palace, a meeting with the President of the Storting and a meeting with the Prime Minister.

UN extends mission in Western Sahara

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26.04.2013]

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on 25 April reaffirming its commitment to working towards the achievement of a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in Western Sahara that provides for the self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara.

Norway increases its support for efforts to combat corruption in Latin America

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26.04.2013]

Norway is to provide NOK 30 million in support for the Inter-American Development Bank’s efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption.

High Level Meeting on Energy in the Post-2015 Development Agenda

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26.04.2013]

After four months’ of discussions on energy and development around the world and in cyberspace, the Governments of Norway, Tanzania and Mexico convened the High Level Meeting on Energy in the Post-2015 Development Agenda in Oslo on 9 April 2013.

New state secretary in JD

[The Office of the Prime Minister, 26.04.2013]

In today’s session of the Council of State, Mr. Pål Martin Sand (36), deputy judge, Hamar, has been appointed state secretary to Minister of Justice and Public Security Grete Faremo as of 2 May 2013. At the same time Ms. Astri Aas-Hansen has been honourably discharged from the same office.

- A major leap forward in our procurement of the F-35

[Ministry of Defence, 26.04.2013]

The Norwegian government today submitted a formal request to the Norwegian parliament for authorization to procure six F-35 Lightning II aircraft for delivery in 2017. In doing so, the Norwegian government follows up on its renewed plans from 2012 to stretch its procurement of the F-35 over additional years, and to accelerate its initial purchase by one year.

Concern about judgment against Russian election watchdog Golos

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 25.04.2013]

“The judgment against the NGO Golos and its leader, Lilia Shibanova, in Moscow today gives cause for concern. This is the first judgment to be passed since the recent amendments to Russian legislation on NGOs were introduced, and could make it more difficult for such organisations to work in the country,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Norway demands release of two kidnapped Syrian bishops

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 25.04.2013]

“I am concerned about reports that the two top church leaders in Aleppo, Bishops Ibrahim and Yazaji, have been kidnapped. We have contacted the leader of the Free Syrian Army, and asked them to do all they can to find those responsible and ensure that the two bishops are released,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Norway provides support to efforts to eradicate polio

[The Office of the Prime Minister, 25.04.2013]

- Polio can be eradicated within the space of five to six years. Norway is to increase its level of support for efforts to eradicate polio to NOK 240 million (USD 40 million), Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said.

Norway provides NOK 240 million to efforts to eradicate polio

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 25.04.2013]

Polio can be eradicated within the space of five to six years. Norway is to increase its level of support for efforts to eradicate polio by NOK 190 million, to NOK 240 million (USD 40 million).

Norway and the World Bank enhance cooperation on fair distribution

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 25.04.2013]

“The World Bank’s new tools for eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 go hand in glove with Norwegian development policy priorities. This creates an opportunity for closer cooperation,” said Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås.

Norway supports civil society in Syria

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 23.04.2013]

“Given the grim situation in Syria today, it is important to support efforts to build up local civil leadership. Norway will provide funding to strengthen civil society capacity in Syria with a view to a political process and stabilisation in the future,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Declaration of commitment for cooperation in airspace development between the governments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway and Sweden

[Ministry of Transport and Communications, 23.04.2013]

- I appreciate the commitment by the Ministers of Transport regarding enhanced cooperation between the six States on this subject matter, says Chair of the NEFAB Council, Mr. Ottar Ostnes, Director General in the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications.

New opportunities for Northern Norway: will recommend opening of the South eastern Barents Sea

[Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, 22.04.2013]

Today, the Government presented its proposal to open for petroleum activity in the south-eastern Barents Sea.

Another step in the efforts to abolish the death penalty

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 22.04.2013]

The seventh meeting of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) took place in Oslo on 15 and 16 April 2013.

Kosovo and Serbia reach historic understanding

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 19.04.2013]

- The agreement between Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels today is historic, says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

70 years since the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

[Europaportalen, 19.04.2013]

70 years since the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 19.04.2013]

“It is with deep respect that we remember today the victims from the Jewish Ghetto in Warsaw. They showed tremendous courage in the uprising, and for that they paid the highest price,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Winning the war on illegal fishing in the Barents Sea

[Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, 17.04.2013]

For the fourth year running, no illegal overfishing of cod and haddock has been detected in the Barents Sea.

Foreign Minister Eide reopened UN Security Council Chamber

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.04.2013]

"The Security Council Chamber was a gift from Norway to the UN in 1952. I am delighted that Norway has taken responsibility for the renovation of what is perhaps the world's most important room," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The LGBT conference in Oslo: - A historic event

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.04.2013]

- We are very pleased that such a broad range of participants have been able to join us in Oslo for this historic event, said the Conference Co-chairs, Mr. Jerry Matjila of South Africa and Ms. Bente Angell-Hansen of Norway after the LGBT conference in Oslo.

Norway following positive developments between Sudan and South Sudan closely

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15.04.2013]

Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås is leading a high-level conference on South Sudan’s oil production together with the US authorities in Washington this week. State Secretary Arvinn Gadgil is visiting the capital of Sudan, Khartoum, and the capital of South Sudan, Juba.

Norway regrets Prime Minister Fayyad’s resignation

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 14.04.2013]

“I regret that Salam Fayyad is resigning as Prime Minister of Palestine. Mr Fayyad has been a close partner for Norway for many years, and he is a politician for whom I have great respect. It is positive that Mr Fayyad will continue as Prime Minister for a transitional period,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

National Transport Plan 2014-2023: 50 per cent increase

[Ministry of Transport and Communications, 12.04.2013]

The National Transport Plan for the period 2014-2023 has an economic framework of NOK 508 billion, an increase of more than NOK 150 billion or 50 per cent.

Good long-term management of the Government Pension Fund

[Ministry of Finance, 12.04.2013]

The Government is today submitting its report to the Storting on the management of the Government Pension Fund in 2012. – The Fund makes a major contribution to safeguarding welfare, whilst at the same time enabling us to save for future generations, says the Minister of Finance, Sigbjørn Johnsen.

A comprehensive integration policy

[Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 12.04.2013]

ILO’s 9th European Regional Meeting ending today: Social dialogue and collective bargaining the way forward

[Ministry of Labour, 11.04.2013]

– The ILO meeting in Oslo has shown that the way forward is through social dialogue and collective bargaining, says Norway’s Minister of Labour, Ms Anniken Huitfeldt. Huitfeldt has chaired the ILO meeting in Oslo 8-11 April.

Norway allocates NOK 700 million to Tanzanian rural energy fund

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10.04.2013]

Norway and Tanzania have signed an agreement under which Norway will provide NOK 700 million to Tanzania over a four-year period. This funding will be channelled to a rural energy fund in Tanzania that will give people in rural areas access to electricity.