Norway backs EU defense efforts, commits $370m to Ukraine
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Monday in Brussels. They discussed Norway's participation in EU joint defense procurements, support for Ukraine, and tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
What you need to know
- Norway will provide $370 million 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 program. This program envisions joint military procurements carried out by at least two countries.
- The impact of U.S. tariffs on Europe was also discussed. The EC President emphasized 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 $370 million for the purchase of artillery ammunition.
"This will contribute significantly to the EU's ambitions in this area," Støre emphasized. This support is part of broader European Union initiatives designed to supply Kyiv with two million units of ammunition worth approximately $5.3 billion.
Although Norway is not an EU member, it will participate in the EU's SAFE loan program. This program, valued at $160 billion, envisions joint military procurements carried out by at least two countries. EC President Ursula von der Leyen assured that the Norwegian industry will be treated equally with the EU's industry.
Trump tariffs: Norway sides with the EU
The talks also touched on U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. The EC President pointed out that these tariffs have affected many countries, and Europe strives to understand the direction of American policy.
Prime Minister Støre noted that Norway is "closely monitoring the European Union's response to U.S. tariffs." Regardless of whether the EU decides to impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. or not, Oslo and Brussels will endeavor 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 percent of Norwegian exports going to the EU market. Therefore, his country will do everything possible to contribute to strengthening the integrity of the internal market.
"Norway is an important supplier of goods, services, and energy to Europe, and we want to maintain this state of affairs," said the Norwegian Prime Minister.
