3 Norway and the world
This strategy focuses on the Government’s efforts to facilitate open and enlightened public discourse in Norway, which is essential for freedom of expression and democracy. However, Norway is ‘a country in the world, in war as in peace’, a reality that is even more apparent today than when Lars Korvald made this statement during a parliamentary debate in 1972.
The Internet and social media largely transcend national borders, bringing the world closer together. While this has brought major benefits, it has also introduced new challenges and vulnerabilities. The conditions for public discourse in Norway are continuously being shaped by technological advances, global online platforms, and a rapidly evolving cultural, social and political context internationally.
Freedom of expression and freedom of the press are under considerable pressure in many parts of the world. Even countries traditionally regarded as democracies have introduced new restrictions that limit freedom of expression. The rise of state-controlled censorship of the Internet and media channels is part of this picture. Meanwhile, the scope of hate speech, disinformation and propaganda online is fuelling polarisation and undermining trust in democratic institutions and values. In many countries, journalists face threats, harassment and surveillance, and female journalists in particular experience gender discrimination, sexual harassment and other forms of abuse. Digital platforms are key arenas for radicalisation and recruitment to extremist networks and organisations, and extremist content is now more widespread on popular commercial platforms than before.
Protecting freedom of expression is a high priority in Norway’s international human rights efforts. In political dialogue with authorities in other countries, Norway will be a clear and consistent defender of freedom of expression, including artistic freedom of expression. In multilateral forums, such as the UN General Assembly, the UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the OSCE, Norway will also play an active role in strengthening the framework conditions for freedom of expression and in speaking out against human rights violations in relevant countries. The Strategy for Promoting Freedom of Expression in Norwegian Foreign and Development Policy outlines the overarching goals and priority measures guiding the Foreign Service’s work to safeguard a diverse range of independent media, ensure access to information, provide safe conditions for freedom of expression, including artistic freedom of expression, and protect journalists and other vulnerable groups.
Freedom of expression, freedom of the press and democracy are strongly embedded in the Nordic and Nordic–Baltic cooperation. The Nordic–Baltic countries maintain a close dialogue and frequently adopt joint positions and statements in support of independent media, journalist safety and freedom of expression in multilateral forums such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. The Nordic Co-operation Programme for Culture 2025–2030 seeks to promote freedom of expression and artistic freedom in the Nordic region by increasing the focus on the independent role of the cultural sector and the media. This priority will be followed up through targeted policy instruments, including project funding for cultural and artistic actors, as well as measures undertaken by the successive chairmanships. The established Nordic and Nordic–Baltic cooperation therefore underpins and strengthens countries’ initiatives in culture, independent media and freedom of expression.
Efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, both nationally and internationally, should be considered together. A deterioration in freedom of expression, public discourse or trust in democratic institutions in other countries will also affect Norway. International cooperation is therefore necessary.
The Norwegian Government will
- act as a strong defender of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in multilateral forums, including the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE
- support international efforts to protect journalists and combat impunity for violations and abuses
- contribute to good international conditions for freedom of expression by maintaining an active role in multilateral forums and in dialogue with authorities in other countries
Priority areas and measures
- follow up the Strategy for Promoting Freedom of Expression in Norwegian Foreign and Development Policy
- utilisation of EEA funding to strengthen civil society, democracy, the rule of law and human rights
- follow up Report no. 20 to the Storting (2024–2025): Promoting democracy, rule of law and human rights in Europe
- host the UN Internet Governance Forum 2025
- chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Group of Friends for the Safety of Journalists and Media Freedom