Norway has signed the convention establishing an International Claims Commission in The Hague, a crucial step in an international mechanism to provide compensation for victims of Russia's war in Ukraine. This commission will assess claims, building on the existing Register of Damage, with the aim of holding Russia accountable.
Mathias Solli has been appointed as the new political adviser to Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik. Solli, 25, brings a background in political science, law, and communications from the Labour Party, taking over from Sandra Kalland Tenud in the Ministry of Defence.
Norway has officially signed the convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, a pivotal step in the international mechanism designed to provide compensation for victims of Russia's aggression. The commission will assess claims, building on the existing Register of Damage.
Mathias Solli, 25, has been appointed as the new political adviser to Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik. Solli, a Labour Party member with a background in political science and law, assumed his role on December 16, 2025, bringing experience from youth and local politics to the Ministry of Defence.
Norwegian authorities have fined oil giant Equinor 220 million NOK and confiscated 500 million NOK for severe pollution violations at its Mongstad refinery. The penalty, totaling 720 million NOK, stems from years of inadequate maintenance, which Equinor plans to contest in court.
Pakistan's Foreign Office issued a formal demarche to Norway after its ambassador attended a Supreme Court hearing involving activist Imaan Mazari. Islamabad termed the presence as interference in internal affairs and a violation of the Vienna Convention, while Norway defended it as standard diplomatic practice.
Norway is experiencing a significant increase in influenza activity, with hospital admissions rising from 289 to 438 in a single week. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reports a dominant Influenza A (H3N2) virus, particularly affecting schoolchildren, and urges preparedness for further increases.
Norway's state auditor general, Riksrevisjonen, has released a 'strongly critical' report on the domestic intelligence agency PST and national preparedness. The audit, covering 2019-2024, cited significant weaknesses in resources, IT capabilities, and management by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, raising concerns about the country's ability to meet evolving threat levels.
The 56th session of the Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission has commenced digitally, focusing on the management of shared fish stocks in the Barents and Norwegian Seas. These crucial negotiations are proceeding despite ongoing political tensions between the two nations, highlighting the enduring importance of their long-standing fisheries cooperation for sustainable marine resources.
Norwegian and Swiss envoys in Dhaka, alongside UN Women, emphasized the critical need to end digital and gender-based violence against women in politics. A high-level dialogue highlighted how online harassment undermines democratic participation and called for stronger protections and accountability.
Norway has finalized a significant order with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles for nearly 300 TG3 MIL 8x8 military trucks, valued at over €150 million. This procurement, signed in May 2023, aims to substantially enhance the Norwegian military's transport capacity and operational capabilities, with deliveries commencing in late 2026.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has successfully secured parliamentary backing for the government's 2026 budget, averting a potential cabinet crisis. The agreement, reached after intensive negotiations with four left-leaning parties, includes compromises on oil and gas transition, electric vehicle incentives, and social welfare provisions.
Norway's highest court has officially banned the Dutch motorcycle club Satudarah, declaring it a criminal association. The Supreme Court's decision, made on October 9, 2024, aims to prevent serious crime, citing the club's history of violence, extortion, and drug trafficking. This move follows similar bans in Germany and the Netherlands.
Negotiations for Norway's 2026 state budget have broken down, with the Green Party withdrawing and the Socialist Left pausing talks. The impasse stems from fundamental disagreements on oil policy and climate measures, leaving the Labour minority government without a clear majority for its proposed budget. The Storting is set to vote on the budget by December 5th.
Norway and Russia are set to conduct their annual fisheries negotiations digitally from December 8 to 12, 2025. The talks, crucial for managing shared Barents Sea fish stocks, proceed despite heightened geopolitical tensions and Norway's recent sanctions against Russian fishing companies.
Equinor, Norway's largest oil and gas company, has announced plans to drill 26 exploration and appraisal wells offshore Norway in 2026. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to maintain oil and gas production at 2020 levels through 2035, involving significant annual investments on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Sweco has signed a framework agreement with Sporveien, Norway's largest public transport provider, to deliver technical and engineering services for rail, construction, and infrastructure. Valued at NOK 350–500 million, the agreement spans two years with extension options, enhancing Oslo's public transport development.
Norway's Ministry of Defence has refused demands from fishing organizations to remove the decommissioned frigate KNM Bergen, sunk during a September weapons test in the Svensgrunnen fishing ground. Citing socio-economic factors and operational necessity, the Ministry confirmed the wreckage will remain at its 125-meter depth.
Norway has officially opened Områ, a new plastics recycling plant near Oslo, a joint venture between Tomra and Plastretur. The facility can process 90,000 tonnes of plastic annually, utilizing advanced sensor-based technology to sort mixed plastic waste into ten distinct polymer fractions, aiming to significantly boost the nation's recycling rates.
Norway is considering pledging up to 100 billion euros from its 1.7 trillion-euro sovereign wealth fund to collateralize a European military loan for Ukraine. This move aims to unblock a larger European aid package stalled by disagreements over using frozen Russian assets, with Norwegian economists and several political parties backing the proposal.
