The turbulent state of the world is affecting the Norwegian economy. Trade conflicts are affecting the business sector. And inflation is affecting people’s spending power.

The Government’s response to the current instability is to maintain sound governance. The aim is to instil a sense of security for the future.

People’s financial situation is now improving. Wage growth is higher than inflation. Income tax has been reduced. Pre-school day care and day care for schoolchildren are more affordable. Child benefit and financial support for students have been increased. Pensioners’ income has risen. Households are now able to choose to make use of Norway’s fixed electricity price scheme.

The business sector in Norway is thriving, with a high level of profitability and investment. Exports have set new records. Some 162 000 more people have found employment over the past four years, 8 out of 10 of them in the private sector. Private capital is – and must be – the driver of business sector development. The Government’s task is to provide a stable framework and facilitate restructuring efforts. The Government will work to further develop the EEA Agreement, as the bedrock of trade and cooperation with Europe.

 

Norway will need to implement a number of major reforms in the years to come. The purpose of these reforms will be to open up new opportunities throughout the country. And ensure that Norway retains its high degree of equality – social as well as geographical.

The Government invites the parties in the Storting to take part in a tax commission. The goal is to achieve a more efficient tax system, a higher employment rate and predictability for the business sector.

The municipal sector commission (Kommunekommisjonen) is charged with drawing up proposals for enhancing municipal governance and ensuring better use of personnel and better service delivery in the municipalities. This is important at a time when the number of elderly is rising, there is a shortage of labour and people have higher expectations of public services.

The committee on health reform (Helsereformutvalget) is to consider and put forward proposals for new models of health service organisation, management and financing. The goal is a more cohesive health system.

The committee on the state education system (Fellesskoleutvalget) is to examine the role schools should have over the next 20 years. The committee is to present proposals for changes to the national curriculum, and to the organisation and scope of responsibility of schools.

The committee on the role of the Police (Politirolleutvalget) is to draw up a report on the future of the Norwegian Police. The committee is to propose measures that will enable the police force to fulfil its role in society more effectively.

 

An important part of the backdrop to these reforms is that there is a shortage of labour in Norway. This is hampering value creation. And it is creating staffing challenges, for example in pre-school day care and care for the elderly.

The Government has set a target to get a further 150 000 people into work by 2030.

As part of the effort to achieve this, the Government is strengthening welfare-to-work schemes: to enable more young people to start higher education and enter the workforce more quickly; to help more people who are unemployed to find jobs; and to ensure that more full-time, permanent positions are made available to those who are in employment.

For those in need of new skills or knowledge, the Government will implement a skills reform initiative to promote lifelong learning in the labour market. At the same time, the Government is increasing investment in research, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. This will help to free up labour, boost productivity and enhance efficiency.

There will always be some people who are unable to work. The welfare state is there to provide a safety net for them. Our social security system is designed to make it possible for people to lead dignified lives, even if they are unable to work.

 

Children spend two years longer at school today than they did in 1990. Nevertheless, school performance levels have declined over the past decade. One of the key reasons for this is that pupils do not read enough.

The Government will implement a national reading campaign, and has allocated NOK 1 billion for this purpose.

All children and young people in Norway are to read for at least 15 minutes a day. Screen use among the youngest children is to be reduced. The first learning aid children take home is to be a book – not a screen. There are to be more books in the classroom. Pupils who struggle with reading are to be given early, intensive help.

Clear recommendations have been introduced for creating a mobile phone-free environment in schools. The Government is working on establishing a minimum age of 15 for social media use. At the same time, we are increasing opportunities to participate in cultural, sports and voluntary activities.

 

Norway’s national health service is to be the best health insurance. Everyone in Norway is to have access to modern health services when they need them.

The Government is implementing an initiative to reduce hospital waiting times, in cooperation with the social partners. Waiting times are falling. Hospitals are treating more patients. More and more people now have a designated GP. In the time ahead, the Government will continue to reduce waiting times, modernise the GP service, and implement the Escalation Plan for Mental Health.

More elderly people are to receive help to enable them to live at home for longer. More elderly care facilities are to be built. And everyone who needs one is to be guaranteed a hearing aid within four months.

 

The threat from organised crime in Europe has never been greater.

Since 1 July, the police have carried firearms when on everyday duty. Border controls have been strengthened. There are more police officers fighting crime than ever before. As a result, more illicitly acquired assets are being confiscated.

Serious criminal offences committed by young people are to be met with swift, firm action. Penalties for young offenders have been made more stringent. In some police districts, there will be a fast-track scheme for processing criminal cases in which the perpetrator is under 18 years of age.

The work to prevent recruitment to crime is being strengthened. Among other things, a programme is being launched to provide one-on-one follow-up to young repeat offenders.

 

War, conflict and climate change are having a profound impact on the world. The aim of Norwegian foreign policy is to safeguard our national security interests and promote peace and stability across the globe.

Norway remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We will continue to provide military, civilian and humanitarian support under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. In the Middle East, Norway is providing humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the war. Norway has recognised Palestine as a state and is working to achieve a two-state solution.

Membership of NATO is fundamental to Norway’s national security. Under the Long-term Defence Plan, all branches of the Norwegian Armed Forces are being strengthened. Steps are being taken to enhance Norway’s total preparedness. Civilian resilience is being strengthened. The Government is implementing a plan to increase agricultural self-sufficiency in Norway. Maintaining settlement patterns across the country is crucial for our national preparedness, especially in North Norway.

Norway has adopted a new, more ambitious climate target (NDC). Achieving it will require new technology and closer international cooperation. We must strengthen environmental protection and limit biodiversity loss. We must develop more clean energy for the future. And we must ensure national management and control of the electricity system.

 

The Labour Party Government will continue its work, based on the outcome of the general election.

The Government looks forward to fruitful cooperation with the Storting in the year ahead.

Together we will steer Norway safely through these turbulent times.

Together we will continue to build our country and work to ensure that we retain our high degree of social equality, our high level of trust, and our strong sense of fellowship.

I pray that God will bless the deliberations of this Storting, and I hereby declare the 170th session of the Storting to be open.

 

Given at the Royal Palace in Oslo on 7 October 2025

Under Our Hand and the Seal of the Realm.