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Departments

The Ministry has eight departements, in addition to the Communication Unit.

The Fosse Lecture 2026 to be delivered by Marilynne Robinson

The American author Marilynne Robinson has been invited to give the Fosse Lecture, and the Dutch translator Paula Stevens is the winner of the 2026 Fosse Prize for Translators.

Introduction programme

The goal is to give the individual basic skills in the Norwegian language and a fundamental insight into Norwegian social conditions and to prepare him/her for work or education.

Licensing rounds

Licensing rounds entail that Norwegian and foreign oil companies are invited to apply for production licences for defined areas within a given deadline.

The General Purpose Grant Scheme

The General Purpose Grant Scheme disburses funds to local governments, who are then free to allocate these funds as they see fit, without any additional constraints from the state government, aside from existing laws and regulations.

Concern over Global Backlash against Gender Equality and Sexual and Health Rights

The Minister of International Development is deeply concerned about the announced tightening of US aid policies negatively affecting women and LGBTQ+ people.

Foreign Minister Eide and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to take part in Arctic Frontiers conference

Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas will be participating in the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø on Tuesday 3 February.

The Council on Ethics

The Council on Ethics was established by Royal Decree 19 November 2004. The Council on Ethics provides an evaluation of whether investments in specified companies are inconsistent with the ethical guidelines.

The foundation for Sami policy

National laws and international conventions set the obligations towards the Sami population.

Norway facilitates rehabilitation of injured children and mental health care efforts in Ukraine

Norwegian health workers are taking part in the effort to strengthen the health system in Ukraine. ‘The experience and knowledge provided by our health professionals will enable Ukrainian health workers to offer better health care to the Ukrainian

Minister Vestre visited Kyiv and signed a health partnership agreement with Ukraine

Norway and Ukraine have recently signed an agreement on a health partnership. The agreement was signed in Kyiv on Tuesday, July 1.

A new chapter in the French-Norwegian collaboration

On February 2nd 2026, the French and Norwegian health ministers met and signed a declaration marking the intention to work in partnership to address major health challenges, and to promote mutual interests.

The Adoption Act

Entered into force July 1 2018.

Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the verdict against Jimmy Lai

‘The verdict against Jimmy Lai is a sign that human rights and democracy are under pressure in Hong Kong’, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Norway-EU energy cooperation

Norway has a close cooperation with the EU on energy issues, and is part of the internal energy market through the EEA agreement. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has regular contact with the Commission. The Norwegian Minister and the EU

Migration and Integration 2024–2025

Report for Norway to the OECD, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Changes among the political advisers

Mr. Munir Jaber resigns as political adviser to Minister of Research and Higher Education, Ms. Sigrun Aasland. Mr. Jaber is appointed again as political adviser to Minister of Transport, Mr. Jon-Ivar Nygård.

Meld. St. 27 (2022–2023) - A good life throughout Norway – regional and rural policy for the future

Meld. St. 27 (2022–2023) Report to the Storting (white paper)

Social dumping

Increased labour immigration has contributed to challenges related to social dumping in certain industries. Social dumping occurs when foreign employees are subjected to breaches of health, safety and working environment regulations, or if they

Agreement on EEA and Norway Grants and exports of Norwegian seafood

Negotiators from Norway and the EU have reached agreement on a new funding period for EEA and Norway Grants and on tariff-free quotas for Norwegian seafood exports to the EU.