More Norwegian money for cooperation with Russia
The Norwegian budget proposal presented by Finance Minister Kristin Halvorsen today includes a 514 million NOK (61,3 million EUR) strengthening of the country’s High North policy. There will be more money for cooperation with Russia, as well as for environmental security in the Barents Sea.
The increased spending will be made through ten ministries, a press release from the government reads. The High North policy of the Foreign Ministry will be added another 15 million NOK, which will be spent on cooperation with Russia, the Barents Cooperation and the Arctic Council. The total High North spending of the ministry will amount to 280 million NOK.
In addition, the Norwegian red-green government coalition wants increased spending on High North research, fisheries, environment, hydrocarbon mapping and indigenous peoples.
Another 60 million NOK will be spent on the disputed seismic mapping in the waters outside the counties of Troms and Nordland, 88 million NOK on oil spill preparedness measures, 74 million NOK on tugboat capacities, 10 million on marine environmental mapping, 100 million NOK to land-based business development and 22 million NOK on a new knowledge centre on ice and climate.
-Norway has the responsibility for the strengthening of Norwegian sovereignty and management of renewable and non-renewable resources. This requires that we further develop our cooperation with Russia and strengthen contacts with neighbours and allies in the North. The Nordic frame is the starting point for a strengthened cooperation on joint challenges in our adjacent areas, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says, a press release from his ministry reports.
According to the budget, Norway will also present an initiative on bilateral cooperation with Russian on climate.
