Norway commits to EU arms aid and stands firm on tariffs
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with the Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, on Monday in Brussels. The politicians discussed, among other topics, Norway's involvement in the EU's joint arms procurement, support for Ukraine, and tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
What you need to know
- Norway will provide four billion Norwegian kroner for the purchase of artillery ammunition for Ukraine. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced this during the meeting in Brussels.
- Norway will participate in the EU's SAFE loan programme. This programme anticipates joint military procurements carried out by at least two countries.
- The impact of American tariffs on Europe was also discussed. The President of the European Commission emphasised that the EU and Norway are part of the same internal market.
During the meeting in Brussels, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that his country will provide Ukraine with four billion Norwegian kroner for the purchase of artillery ammunition.
“In doing so, we will make an important contribution to the EU's ambitions in this area,” emphasised Støre. This support is part of the broader actions of the European Union, which plans to deliver two million pieces of ammunition to Kyiv for five billion euros.
Norway, although not a member of the European Union, will participate in the EU's SAFE loan programme. This programme, amounting to 150 billion euros (129£ billion), anticipates joint military procurements carried out by at least two countries. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, assured that Norwegian industry would be treated on par with EU industry.
Trump's tariffs: Norway sides with the EU
The discussions also touched upon the American tariffs announced by the US President, Donald Trump. The President of the European Commission indicated that these tariffs have affected many countries, and Europe is trying to understand the direction of American policy.
Prime Minister Støre noted that Norway is "closely following the European Union's response to American tariffs." Regardless of whether the EU decides to impose retaliatory tariffs on the USA or not, Oslo and Brussels will do everything possible to avoid disruptions and turbulence in the Norway-EU relationship.
Jonas Gahr Støre admitted that Europe is by far Norway's most important trading partner, with 70% of Norwegian exports going to the EU market. Therefore, his country will do everything it can to help strengthen the integrity of the internal market.
“Norway is an important supplier of goods, services, and energy to Europe, and we want to maintain this status quo,” said the head of the Norwegian government.
