Researcher: "New Svalbard White Paper Affirms Norwegian Jurisdiction on Svalbard" In the new Svalbard white paper, the Norwegian government wants to facilitate international research on the archipelago while simultaneously clarifying Norwegian research leadership. Svalbard researcher Arild Moe says the white paper affirms Norwegian jurisdiction on Svalbard.
Norway Wants Greater State Ownership of the Energy Supply on Svalbard Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor) revealed that the government suggests NOK 125 million in financial electricity support to Longyearbyen in a revised state budget. Støre also reports that the state will claim greater ownership of the energy supply on Svalbard. "We want Norwegian ownership of important infrastructure and real estate."
Svalbard Researcher: “Longyearbyen Is Meant to Be the Prime Example of Renewable Solutions in the Arctic” Great uncertainty surrounds the energy supply on Svalbard and the scheduled transition to renewable energy for the Arctic archipelago. Researcher Tiril Vold believes the process has been affected by a contest over symbolic capital and prestige.
Call for Help From Longyearbyen to the Government: “Decide What You Want With Svalbard!” Oslo (High North News): The same day the Svalbard white paper was concluded, the island's politicians, organizations, and businesses gathered in the Norwegian Capital with clear demands for Norwegian authorities, Predictability, and its inhabitants to be taken seriously. "Trust has been severely weakened," says tourism actor Renate Larsen.
The Arctic is Dark, Darker Than Ever (Commentary) Longyearbyen: Two news notifications flash on my cellphone as my flight from Tromsø lands in Longyearbyen on Svalbard. One of the notifications reads that the government is preparing a new Svalbard white paper. The other is a greeting from Dimitrij Medvedev, former Russian Prime Minister and President, and explains the need for a new white paper.
