The Norwegian State Budget: Major Investments in Svalbard The Norwegian government proposes major investments in Svalbard in its budget proposal for 2026. The investments aim to promote settlement for families in the High North, strengthen research leadership and national control in Svalbard, and contribute to the cleanup of mining activities. "We are strengthening national control on Svalbard," says Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen.
The Norwegian Government Proposes Defense Budget Increase of NOK 4,2 Billion in 2026 With the proposed increase, Norway will spend NOK 112 billion on national defense in 2026. In Northern Norway, there are i.a. plans for investments in property, buildings, and facilities of about NOK 3,2 billion.
The Norwegian State Budget: Almost Every Coin Spent in the North is Due to Russia Comment: Those who are still unsure of what governs the High North policy should take a look at the Norwegian state budget for 2026. Three ministries clearly state that this is about defense and security policy. To whatever degree the North is strengthened, it is purely due to the threat from Russia.
Norway Plans to Establish State Preparedness Hub Near the Border With Russia: "An Important Measure" The Norwegian government wants to strengthen preparedness and state presence in Eastern Finnmark, Northern Norway, with a new hub. This will boost Norway's ability to manage crises in the High North, believes Professor Natalia Andreassen.
Norway's High North Strategy: NOK 1 Billion For Polar Research Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): Norway's biggest research project,Arctic Ocean 2050, will be fully funded over the course of ten years, promised Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre on Tuesday. "A fantastic boost for Norwegian and international polar research," responds the Rector at UiT the Arctic University of Norway.
The Norwegian Ministry of Public Security Responds to Preparedness Criticism The Norwegian government’s new preparedness proposal for the High North falls short, expert believes. The Ministry of Public Security is now responding to the criticism. "The government is working on further measures," says State Secretary Kristine Kallset.
Professor: Norway’s New Preparedness Proposal for the High North Falls Short The Norwegian Government recently announced the development of a national preparedness action zone in the northernmost counties of Northern Norway. This is good in principle, but the government is late and is preparing a too small an investment, believes Professor Odd Jarl Borch.
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.
The Norwegian Government Proposes a NOK 19 Billion Increase in Defense Spending With the proposed increase, the Norwegian defense budget for 2025 will total NOK 110 billion. A main priority is to make the current defense structure work with more ammunition, better preparedness, and more people. The proposed budget also includes increased investments in material, property and construction.
Svalbard in the National Budget: Electricity Support, Education and Research The Norwegian government wants to give Longyearbyen NOK 100 million in electricity support in 2025. This will probably not be enough to prevent increased energy fees, says the community council chair. However, the proposed NOK 184 million for the University Center in Svalbard will contribute to the resumption of normal activity.
Norway’s Parliament Unanimous on Major Defense Pledge: Seeks Lower Tension in the High North In a historically broad defense settlement, the Norwegian parliament is clearly looking northward. "We must increase our ability to shape the development in the High North," states a united Standing Committee on Defense, looking to reduce the risk of misunderstandings, conflict and great power rivalry.
Norway’s Navy Chief: ‘High North, Low Tension’ Depends on Our Own Capability At Sea Norway’s government recently launched major investments in the country's naval forces. This will increase important Norwegian presence in the North vis-á-vis Russia, maintains Navy Chief Oliver Berdal. “We must be able to safeguard our maritime interests on an independent basis,” he says.
Norway to Invest in Defense-Oriented Science and Innovation in the North Development of defense-related technology and knowledge in Northern Norway is underway as part of the government's new long-term plan for the Armed Forces. “This will increase the ability for defense, security and preparedness in the region,” says Norwegian MoD.
