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Finland eases military transport rules from Norway and Sweden
Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, has decided to usse a new decree from the Ministry of Defence regarding the use of Defence Forces vehicles.
”With the new decree, we are promoting military mobility in the changed security environment. With the reform, we will ensure that the operating conditions of the Defence Forces, traffic safety and military mobility, which is central to Finland's defence, form a functional whole,” Häkkänen said in a press release from the Ministry.
According to Yle, the reform will make it easier for Norwegian and Swedish military vehicles to enter Finland without special control measures at the border.
The same practice will also be introduced in ports and airports.
King Haakon of Norway to visit Narvik on first municipal visit
King Haakon VIII of Norway will visit the city of Narvik in Northern Norway on Tuesday, October 13.
This is the first official municipal visit for Norway's new king.
After the visit to Narvik, King Haakon will visit the Norwegian Armed Forces in Finnmark on October 13 and 14. There, he will visit several units in the Finnmark Brigade, which was established in 2025.
"In 1940, some of the fiercest fighting on Norwegian soil took place precisely in Narvik, and the city is once again an important hub for Norwegian and Allied preparedness. Narvik is the most important shipping port for mineral resources in Norway and Scandinavia. The port is also one of four Nordic ports for receiving Allied reinforcements. In addition, Narvik is the terminus of the Ofot Line, which ensures a train connection to Kiruna in Sweden," states the press release about the visit to Narvik.
Total defence, democracy, and how we together build safe and strong local communities will be a natural framework for the King's visit to Narvik, it further reads.
The Sámi Parliament demands over 1,5 billion kroner from the Norwegian state
Today, the norwegian government will present next year's national budget.
In 2026, the Sámi Parliament received over 800 million Noregian kroner for the first time. Now the Sámi Parliament has decided that it needs an additional 767,5 million kroner, meaning a total of more than 1,5 billion kroner from the state in 2027, according to NRK.
This demand follows the historic report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commision. The Sámi Parliament is calling on the state to take responsibility for closing the gap between the formal rights of the Sámi people and what is actually implemented in practice.
Because the Sámi Parliament is an elected body, it is recuested that the funda not earmarked, so the Sámi community itself can decide what it needs most.
Among other things, they want to use the money for nred museum buildings, a Sámi language Commisioner, and efforts to rebuild in the aftermath of the Norwegiansation policy.
PST urges public to report suspicious activity along Norway's coast
The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has registered growing interest from state threat actors in Norway's coastal and maritime areas.
"We are seeing very significant interest in the Arctic and the High North from a number of countries. This mainly concerns Russia, but also China," Jon Fitje Hoffmann, director at PST, tild the norwegian broadcaster NRK.
According to Hoffmann, Russia is seeking to map Norwegian ports, communications cables, ans the thousands of kilometres of oil and gas pipelines on the seabed.
He said this could be part of general intelligence gathering, but could also serve as preparation for potential acts of sabotage.
PST is now urging the public to report unusual activity, including incidents that fall outside the normal pattern and people or vessels behaving suspiciously.
PST also advises individuals and businesses to be alert to unexplained friend requests on social media.
Northern Norway: "Must be Cheaper to Live and Create Jobs in The North"
The Finnmark Conservative Party of Northern Norway is presenting six key demands regarding the government’s 2027 state budget, aimed at reducing costs and strengthening local communities and the business sector. The Finnmark county board also prioritizes the reopening of the Sydvaranger mine.
"We have no trains, trams, or subways serving Finnmark. Cars, planes, and boats are essential for daily life. The government must make it cheaper to live, work, and run a business here," says Bård Bredal-Olsen of the Finnmark Conservative Party, according to a press release.
The Finnmark Conservative Party is making six demands of the government:
Strengthen the Finnmark tax scheme and measures to support settlement and recruitment.
Permanently abolish the road usage tax to reduce transport costs for individuals and businesses.
Grant a permanent exemption from the CO₂ tax on marine diesel for fishing and hunting vessels, ferries and high-speed passenger boats in public scheduled service, ambulance and emergency response vessels, and maritime operations already subject to emissions quota obligations.
Abolish the air passenger tax and strengthen the FOT (public service obligation) route network. Air travel is essential public transport in Finnmark.
Strengthen the Norwegian State Housing Bank’s regional support measures so that more people can build and own homes in areas with weak housing markets.
Prioritize the expansion of power generation and grid infrastructure to facilitate new jobs and business development.
“These demands are a top priority for the county board. They are about ensuring people can afford to stay, enabling us to recruit the workforce we need, and allowing businesses to grow,” says Bredal-Olsen.
The Finnmark Conservative Party also calls for priority to be given to the following projects:
Strømmen Bridge in Sør-Varanger.
Funding and commencement of the Rv. 94 project (Saragammen–Rypefjord to Hammerfest), which is already prioritized in the National Transport Plan.
Avalanche protection and upgrades for county roads that serve as the sole connection to local communities.
A new emergency preparedness and multi-purpose quay in Alta.
Extension of the runway at Alta Airport, where Alta Municipality has already carried out part of the necessary land reclamation work.
Breakwater construction at the Hallvika industrial area in Måsøy.
Commencement of the ready-to-build pedestrian path along the E45 from Øvre Alta to the Skillemo industrial area.
A new bridge over the Transfarelva river on the E6.
An emergency preparedness facility in Sør-Varanger.
Furthermore, the county branch aims to establish Finnmark as a national hub for the development, testing, and production of drone technology, and to consider the county as a pilot area for new regional and industrial policy measures.
New research center will strengthen the Norwegian Armed Forces in the North
On Monday morning, NRK reported that the Norwegian government will establish the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) North in Tromsø and allocate NOK 20 million for its establishment.
An additional location will also be established on Andøya. FFI already has two locations in Eastern Norway.
The funding will be used, among other things, for premises, a managing director and the first employees. The goal is to build a research environment with around 40 security-cleared researchers in Tromsø. The institute is scheduled to be fully established by 2036.
Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik (Labour) says the initiative will strengthen Norway’s defence capabilities.
“Now we are building up the Armed Forces and strengthening Norway’s defence capabilities. Research that makes our Armed Forces even stronger is an important part of this,” Sandvik says.
Norway and Canada Strengthen Defense Cooperation
Norway and Canada are set to draft an agreement on closer defense cooperation and to train and operate more closely together in the Arctic.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed on this during a meeting in Ottawa on Sunday, NTB reports.
"Canada is a close partner for Norway and an important NATO ally. We share many fundamental values and have common interests in the Arctic. In turbulent times, Norway needs a broader foundation to stand on. We are now further strengthening our cooperation with Canada," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says in a press release.
Earlier this year, Norway and Canada established a strategic partnership covering areas such as Arctic security, support for Ukraine, energy, critical minerals, space, artificial intelligence, and climate.
In July, Canada joined the submarine cooperation initiative between Norway and Germany. The three countries are set to acquire identical submarines.
"This will strengthen our—and NATO’s—ability to monitor maritime areas in the north. It is crucial for our shared security," says Støre.
Norway and Canada also intend to increase cooperation between their respective defense industries. In a joint statement, the prime ministers affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine.
Furthermore, the Norwegian and Canadian polar institutes will collaborate more closely on Arctic research.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to visit Canada
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney will welcome the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, to Ottawa, Ontario from September 20 to 21.
During the visit, the leaders will discuss opportunities to deepen the Canada-Norway partnership across key sectors, such as energy, critical minerals, and sovereign technology – including artificial intelligence and aerospace, a press release states.
“Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Støre will also advance Canada and Norway’s defence and security partnership. As Arctic nations and NATO Allies, they will discuss efforts to strengthen security and resilience in the Arctic and North Atlantic, modernise our defence capabilities, and bolster secure and resilient defence supply chains that support our collective security," states the press release.
“Canada and Norway are strong partners with growing ties in energy, defence, and technology. I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Støre as we deepen our economic relationship, strengthen the NATO Alliance, and create new opportunities for Canadian and Norwegian workers and businesses,” says Prime Minister Carney.
Reuters: Russia trained with new secret weapon near Svalbard
In the spring, Russian submarines simulated the deployment of new technology designed to disable critical undersea cables near Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. However, the Russian exercise was exposed and thwarted by Norway, the UK and the US, anonymous Western officials told Reuters.
More specifically, the exercise was reportedly conducted by Russia's Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI).
In April, the UK and Norway announced that they had been monitoring Russian submarines from the Kola Peninsula that attempted to map underwater infrastructure in the North Atlantic. The discovery of the new weapon near Svalbard and the US involvement have not been previously reported.
A new jammertest will soon be held on Andøya
From September 14th to 18th, the world's largest open GNSS resilience test (jammertest) will be held on Andøya, Northern Norway, for the fifth year in a row.
The event gives public and private actors the opportunity to hone modern positioning technology against jamming and spoofing attacks. The goal of the test is to develop more robust navigation systems.
This year, over 200 actors from around the world have applied to join the event.
The organizers are the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom), the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, the Norwegian Metrology Service, the Norwegian Space Agency, the Norwegian Mapping Authority and Avinor.
According to Nkom, results from previous years show that the test has contributed to clear improvements at both system and component level in several sectors – such as telecom, the automotive industry, the maritime sector and aviation.
"Critical societal functions are increasingly dependent on accurate position, navigation and time. Therefore, it is gratifying that all the testing actually makes the products better and our society safer," says Espen Slette, Department Director at Nkom.
New report: Uncultivated land has great value for people in Finnmark
In no other Norwegian county is access to and use of uncultivated land as extensive as in Finnmark, Northern Norway. This is according to a new report prepared by NORCE for Finnmark County Council.
"The report shows that the uncultivated land is an important part of living a good life in Finnmark. Access to nature, harvesting and outdoor activities provide quality of life, belonging and activity. These are values that can contribute to people wanting to live and stay in the county," says County Mayor Hans-Jacob Bønå (Conservative) in a press release.
The report also points to the need for updated knowledge, planning capacity, cooperation and a clear understanding of roles among the actors who facilitate the use of the uncultivated land.
"We would particularly like to highlight new knowledge that has emerged from the mapping of outlying industry actors. This is an industry with great development potential, but where most actors have limited growth ambitions and are satisfied with the current scope. The belief in employment growth is greatest within outdoor tourism, where Finnmark companies facilitate hunting and fishing for visitors," says Vigdis Nygaard, senior researcher at NORCE.
The report can be read here.
Local North Norwegian company secures major contract
North Norwegian company Nordasfalt has entered into an agreement with Skanska for the execution of asphalting, milling and moisture insulation on the extensive work on the new road project E6 Megården – Sommerset.
This is reported by Nordasfalt in a press release, reproduced in a number of media, including Avisa Nordland.
The road project is located in Sørfold municipality, north of Fauske in Nordland.
The contract will be the largest single contract in the company's history.
"The assignment shows that Nordasfalt is strong as a total supplier in the asphalt field, and that our expertise across disciplines is noticed. Through close and constructive dialogue with Skanska, solutions have been facilitated that strengthen both the quality and environmental profile of the project," says CEO Kevin Slettmyr.
Nordasfalt has its head office and department in Bodø, in addition to departments in Fauske and Narvik.
Multiple environmental violations at Kirkenes Airport
The Norwegian Environment Agency has uncovered multiple repeated environmental violations at Kirkenes Airport, in Northern Norway, and is requesting immediate improvements from Avinor, reports the local newspaper iFinnmark.
Inspections revealed deficiencies in chemical management, storage of hazardous substances, waste management, and internal controls.
The agency considers the situation serious and has set a deadline for Avinor to resolve the non-conformities.
Airport management acknowledges that its environmental efforts have been insufficient and states that measures have been initiated to regain control over routines and storage.
Norway eases self-imposed restrictions on allied surveillance in the High North
Norway has eased restrictions that previously prevented allied surveillance aircraft from tracking Russian nuclear submarines operating out of bases on the Kola Peninsula, reports the Barents Observer.
The change means that allies can now operate closer to Norwegian areas than before, provided the missions are coordinated with Norwegian authorities.
The adjustment comes in response to an increased allied need for situational awareness in the Barents Sea and a more challenging security environment in the High North.
Norwegian authorities emphasize that operations will remain controlled and predictable.
New CEO of Kimek in Kirkenes
Eirik Wikan will take over as acting CEO of the Kimek companies, which are engaged in ship repair and industrial services in Kirkenes, Northern Norway. Kimek AS announces this on its Facebook page.
Former CEO Greger Mannsverk is ill and will be absent from his position indefinitely.
Wikan comes from the position of finance manager at Kimek and has been part of the company's management for 18 years.
Several from the north are finalists to become Young Farmer of the Year
The finalists for Norway's Young Farmer of the Year 2026 are now ready, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced in a press release.
Ambjørg Skibdalen from Telemark, Joar Straume from Nordland and the farming couple Iselin Mentzoni Eliassen and Jørgen Juul Thomassen from Troms have been selected from over 500 nominees from across the country.
Joar Straume (22) moved from Western Norway to the Helgeland coast in Northern Norway to realize his dream of owning his own farm. He now runs Nordbostad Farm in Mindland in Nordland with his wife Elena.
In Troms, Northern Norway, Iselin Mentzoni Eliassen (27) and Jørgen Juul Thomassen (29) run Buktenes farm in Kvænangen. The farm is the municipality's last dairy farm.
The winner of Young Farmer of the Year 2026 will be announced during Dyrsku'n in Seljord on September 11th.
Army Chief to become new head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service
Major General Lars Lervik has been appointed Lieutenant General and new Chief of the Norwegian Intelligence Service.
This is stated in a press release from the Norwegian Armed Forces on Friday.
Lervik is currently the Chief of the Norwegian Army and takes on the role after Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensønes, who is retiring after leading the Intelligence Service since 2020.
"I am very pleased that Major General Lars Lervik has today been appointed as the new Chief of the Intelligence Service. Congratulations on the promotion to Lieutenant General and a new and important position. I am confident that the Intelligence Service has the right chief to lead and develop the organization further. At the same time, I would like to thank Vice Admiral Nils Andreas for his service and the enormous effort that has been made since he took office as Chief of the Intelligence Service," says Norway's Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen about the appointment.
Lervik will assume the position from the date determined by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
Norway and UK defence ministers discussed security in the High North
Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik had his first telephone conversation with the new British Secretary of State for Defence, Wes Streeting, on Thursday,
During the telephone meeting, security challenges in the High North and closer defense cooperation were high on the agenda, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense reports in a press release.
"Norway and the United Kingdom have strong cultural, geographical and historical ties. Together we have stood shoulder to shoulder throughout the 77 years of NATO's existence. We are now well underway in expanding our already strong and close defense cooperation," says Norway's Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik, adding:
"Together we are strengthening NATO's defense flank in the Arctic and the High North to secure Norway and our allies in turbulent times."
One of the main topics discussed was the further strengthening of the strategic defence cooperation between the UK and Norway through the Lunna House Agreement. This was signed in December 2025 and is the most comprehensive defence cooperation agreement that Norway and the UK have entered into in recent times.
Sandvik and Streeting also spoke about the need for continued support for Ukraine and European contributions to NATO, and the North European security cooperation Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
6 out of 10 young people in Northern Norway had a summer job last year
In 2025, 61 per cent of young people in Northern Norway between the ages of 15 and 22 had a summer job. This is almost 10 percentage points more than in 2015 and well above the national average of 53 percent, according to the Knowledge Bank in SpareBank 1 Northern Norway.
Furthermore, 44 per cent of young immigrants had summer jobs compared to 71 per cent of Norwegian-born with two Norwegian-born parents.
The proportion of young people with summer jobs also varies significantly between municipalities. Beiarn (85 percent) and Båtsfjord (79 percent) had the most young people with summer jobs while Nesna (39 percent) had the fewest.