Norway's Government Cuts Culture as Part of the High North Strategy In the national budget for 2025, the Norwegian government proposes a cut of NOK 4 million in funds for cultural cooperation in the High North. "Defense policy is not the only thing that must be pursued in the North," replies major cultural institutions in Northern Norway.
NATO’s New Northern Flank: Norway’s Army Chief Expects Great Responsibility Tromsø (High North News): The bulk of Sweden and Finland's army forces are located in the south, while most of Norway’s land forces are in the north. "These conditions will likely be important in further developing our cooperation," says the Chief of the Norwegian Army, pointing to new requirements and opportunities.
Norway's MFA on All the Nordics in NATO: "The Significance Hasn't Quite Hit Us Yet" Tromsø (High North News): With the new Nordic security policy community and close defense cooperation follows great opportunities for more interaction between Norway, Finland and Sweden also in other areas of society. "We have to learn how to take advantage of this," says Norwegian MFA Espen Barth Eide.
Norwegian MFA: "Need for New Thinking Regarding Nordic Cooperation in the North" Going forward, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, which no longer includes Russia, can serve as a forum for strengthened regional efforts for societal and business development on the Cap of the North, says Norway's MFA Espen Barth Eide.
Suggests New Measures For Population Growth in the North Extended arrangements for reducing student loans, increased child benefits, permanent trainee programs, and measures for new housing. These are among the recommendations from an advice panel on the Finnmark and Northern Troms action zone in Northern Norway.
Norway Divides Responsibility for the High North Policy Between Two Ministries The Norwegian government wants to strengthen the High North's efforts with a new cooperation model between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. "A good measure and it was high time it was introduced," believes Senior Researcher at FNI.
The Norwegian MFA Creates Position in Tromsø in Connection With the Arctic Council Chairship Norway took over the chairship of the Arctic Council earlier in May. Now, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is establishing a project position for the chairship period in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
