Norway

Norway central bank raises interest rate, may hike again

Norway's central bank raised its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.5% today, seeking to contain inflation, as expected by a narrow majority of analysts in a Reuters poll, and said it may hike again.

Norway gives additional $13 million in aid to Palestinians

oPt: Norway increases support to Palestine (24 September 2026)

Countries: occupied Palestinian territory, Norway Source: Government of Norway ‘The need for international support to Palestine is greater than ever. We are therefore providing NOK 125 million (appr. USD 13.2 million) to Palestine through UN and World Bank channels, including budget support to the Palestinian public sector,‘ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. The population of Gaza continues to live with the consequences of the war. Access to food, clean water, electricity, and healthcare remains severely limited, and many families are struggling daily to meet their most basic needs. Reconstruction efforts are being hampered by extensive destruction, a lack of resources and continued uncertainty about future developments. ‘Norway is among the leading advocates for getting early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza under way. Progress is too slow. There is an urgent need to implement the 20-point peace plan adopted by the UN Security Council last year. More humanitarian assistance must be allowed in. Reconstruction must begin. Palestinian ownership is a key prerequisite,‘ said Mr Eide. In 2026, Norway is providing around NOK 1 billion in assistance to Palestine. Norway’s increased support comes in the same week that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is chairing a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), the international donor group for Palestine, in New York. On the same day, a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will also take place. This international initiative is led by Norway, Saudi Arabia and the EU and seeks to promote lasting peace and realise a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. The extremely serious situation in the West Bank will also be discussed during the meetings in New York. Settlements and serious abuses committed by violent settlers are making the situation in the West Bank increasingly untenable. ‘The illegality of the settlements has been established repeatedly by the UN Security Council and in advisory opinions issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The settlements undermine the foundations of the Palestinian state and a two-state solution,‘ said Mr Eide. ‘We are seeing a worrying increase in violence, while settlement expansion and restrictions on freedom of movement are making everyday life increasingly difficult for Palestinians. This development contributes to greater insecurity and undermines the prospects for a future political solution,‘ said Mr Eide. The United Nations is also hosting the meeting of the AHLC, which brings together ministers and other high-level representatives from key donor countries and international organisations. Facts about the AHLC: The AHLC is the donor group for Palestine and the leading international forum for political dialogue and coordination of support for Palestinian state-building and economic development. The AHLC was established following the signing of the Oslo Accords by Israel and the PLO. Since then, it has served as a joint forum for the parties and the international community to support the development of Palestinian state institutions. Through this support, Palestine has developed institutions including an independent judiciary, a Palestinian central bank, a police service and a public administration capable of delivering services to the Palestinian population. The EU and the United States are co-sponsors of the AHLC.

Sep 24, 2026 · byReliefWeb

oPt: EU launches first €43 million Team Gaza projects to help restore essential services

Countries: occupied Palestinian territory, World Source: European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Today, the first flagship early recovery projects under the EU-led Team Gaza Initiative were signed by Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica in the margins of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.The projects, together worth a total of €43 million, will help restore essential water and solid waste management services for people in Gaza. The projects will be implemented together with UNICEF and UNDP and will address needs and help restore basic services for the population in Gaza. The Team Gaza Initiative was launched in July 2026 in Brussels at the second Palestine Donor Group , hosted by the Commission. With an initial amount of nearly €1 billion, this platform gathers key international actors to coordinate ongoing and planned early recovery projects for the people of Gaza. It brings together Spain**,** Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium and Australia, alongside the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. The funding will be implemented as follow: €37 million (implemented together with UNICEF ) will go towards increasing access to drinking water and reduce exposure to wastewater for approximately 1 million people in Gaza. €6 million (implemented together with UNDP ) will support waste collection and waste transfer, as well as a recycling pilot programme. The project, which involves support from other donors will contribute to protecting public health, reducing the risk of disease and limiting the impact of waste on soil, freshwater and the Mediterranean Sea. These first projects underline the commitment under the Team Gaza Initiative to turning coordinated international support into concrete early recovery action for the people of Gaza. Background The two agreements are the first concrete projects under the Team Gaza Initiative as part of the EU's efforts to coordinate international support for Gaza's early recovery. Based on the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment for Gaza , prepared by the European Union, the United Nations and the World Bank, Team Gaza participants stand ready to support early recovery projects in areas including water and sanitation, debris and solid waste management, health, energy, agriculture and food systems. The EU-led initiative is grounded in the shared commitment to support and advance the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 . The EU is a long-standing partner of the Palestinian people and supports a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Quote(s) The needs of Gazans are amongst the most urgent in the world today and as winter approaches, the situation will only become more dire. The two new projects signed today will support the most basic services – water and waste management – but we are ready to do much more. The EU is already the largest donor to the Palestinian people, we have two operations on the ground, and we are now lining up more projects to support early recovery. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Only two months after the launch of the Team Gaza Initiative, we are moving from commitment to concrete action for the people of Gaza. With the signature of two contracts together with our implementing partners – UNICEF and UNDP – we will help restore access to safe water and essential waste management services. For people’s health and dignity, these are key basic services. We are ready to do more across other sectors. Access for staff, equipment and supplies will be essential to turn further commitments into results on the ground. Our objective is clear: to support civilians, restore essential services and contribute to a sustainable recovery and a future of peace and stability. Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean

Sep 24, 2026 · byReliefWeb

World: Countries and partners commit more than US$715 million for reproductive health

Countries: World, Burundi, Denmark, Madagascar, Mozambique, Norway, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Zimbabwe Source: United Nations Population Fund UK announces £254 million (US$337.8 million) for reproductive health GiveWell makes its first investment in UNFPA with a US$10 million grant Burundi, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe commit more than US$292 million of their own resources for reproductive health NEW YORK, 23 September 2026 – At a landmark event, governments and philanthropic partners pledged over US$715 million to expand access to lifesaving health infrastructure, services and supplies including for family planning and maternal health. The announcements, made at a high-level event during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, co-hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners, come after major recent declines in international funding that have put access to essential and lifesaving reproductive health care at risk. “Today's commitments send a powerful message: investing in women and girls is the foundation for a prosperous and equitable future. Enabling their rights and choices is one of the smartest investments in development. Longstanding partners are standing firm, new ones are stepping up, and together we are changing lives," said Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA. New, multi-year financing for family planning and maternal health brings renewed momentum for the reproductive health sector. Across the 54 low- and middle-income countries participating in the UNFPA Supplies Partnership — UNFPA’s flagship programme to ensure reliable access to contraceptives and maternal health medicines — record-high domestic commitments show that national governments are investing more of their own resources to help prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce maternal and newborn health complications and deaths. The United Kingdom announced £254 million (US$337.8 million) in funding, including £204 million for the UNFPA Supplies Partnership and £50 million for other partners working to expand access to reproductive health services and supplies. This is the largest single government investment in reproductive health supplies worldwide this year. The UK’s generous investment in the UNFPA Supplies Partnership will make voluntary family planning a possibility for more than 15 million women per year and could prevent 14 million unintended pregnancies and over 35,000 maternal deaths by 2028. New private and philanthropic funders are emerging alongside traditional government donors. Among these is GiveWell, an independent, nonprofit research organization dedicated to finding and funding highly cost-effective opportunities to save and improve lives. GiveWell announced a US$10 million grant to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership — its first investment in UNFPA and its largest investment in family planning to date. According to GiveWell’s modelling, its grant is expected to do about 19 times more good than giving cash directly to people. In addition, the European Investment Bank provided a grant of EUR 200 million (US$232 million). As importantly, low- and middle-income countries participating in the UNFPA Supplies Partnership are also investing more of their own resources in reproductive health. Burundi, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe announced a combined commitment exceeding US$292 million of their own resources for health infrastructure, services and supplies at the event. Between 2020 and 2025, government spending on contraceptives and maternal health supplies has increased more than sixfold across the 54 UNFPA Supplies Partnership countries, reaching a record US$68 million last year. The Partnership will match eligible commitments dollar for dollar through its Match Fund (within a predetermined amount) helping countries stretch their own resources farther and expand access to more people. UNFPA is the world’s largest provider of donated contraceptives to low- and middle-income countries, playing a critical role in ensuring family planning supplies reach people who need them most. Longstanding donor governments, including Denmark and Norway, also announced new and multi-year support for the UNFPA Supplies Partnership. Today’s commitments build on several years of work by UNFPA and partners to bring in new sources of financing while supporting low-and middle-income countries to invest more of their own resources in reproductive health. Together, these efforts will ensure access to lifesaving contraceptives and maternal health supplies today, while building more sustainable, country-led financing and health systems for the future. The event was co-hosted by UNFPA, FP2030 and the Gates Foundation, in partnership with the governments of Madagascar, Mozambique, Norway, Spain and Zimbabwe. KEY COMMITMENTS AND QUOTES BY ALPHABETICAL ORDER (Note: This is not a comprehensive list) The Government of Burundi committed US$4 million for family planning commodities in 2026, exceeding its contribution from the previous year, and more than US$500,000 for emergency obstetric and newborn care mentorship. The Government of Denmark committed US$53.6 million to UNFPA including US$19 million to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership. The European Investment Bank (EIB) gave a grant of US$232 million to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership. ​GiveWell, an independent, nonprofit research organization, pledged US$10 million to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership. The Government of Madagascar committed US$20 million from its national budget for reproductive health commodities in 2026 and 2027. The Government of Mozambique pledged US$17.6 million for reproductive health products in 2026 and 2027. The Government of Norway committed NOK 210 million ​(US$22.6 million) for the UNFPA Supplies Partnership for 2026 and 2027. The United Kingdom announced £254 million (US$337.8 million) through its CHOICES programme for 2025-2028, including £204 million for the UNFPA Supplies Partnership. The Government of Zimbabwe has committed more than US$250 million towards upgrading hospitals across the country, with approximately 30 percent of this investment dedicated to maternal and child health infrastructure. The government also committed US$2.25 million annually for family planning commodities in 2026 and 2027. GOVERNMENT QUOTES Ms. Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, State Secretary for Development Policy, Denmark: “The lack of access to safe, affordable reproductive health commodities stands as a primary barrier to health equity around the globe. It has a negative impact on women’s right to decide over their own bodies […] This is why UNFPA’s core mandate - to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights - continues to be not only relevant but increasingly essential.” Ms. Kirsty McNeill, Minister for Development, United Kingdom: “It is a scandal that women and girls are denied the fundamental right to make informed choices about their own body, free from coercion, discrimination and violence. Every woman and girl should be able to make decisions about her own future. That choice can mean staying in school, finding work or surviving childbirth. The funding I have announced today will help give millions more women and girls across the world autonomy over their bodies, control over their futures, and the chance to fulfil their full potential.” Media contact Zina Alam, zialam@unfpa.org | media@unfpa.org About UNFPA UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the sexual and reproductive health agency of the UN, working to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries and territories. It reaches millions of women, girls and young people with essential health services, protection from violence, and with vital information about their bodies and rights. It also helps governments plan for changing population needs so people can thrive today and in the future, regardless of fertility trends. About the UNFPA Supplies Partnership The UNFPA Supplies Partnership is UNFPA’s flagship programme for reproductive health commodity security. It supports 54 countries to strengthen health systems, supply chains, policy frameworks, financing and accountability systems while expanding access to quality-assured contraceptives and maternal health medicines.

Sep 24, 2026 · byReliefWeb

Norway says Europe's 'largest' rare-earth mine plan set for 2028

The project has been delayed by environmental concerns, particularly over plans to locate mineral-processing facilities in an area of forest.

Sep 23, 2026 · byEuronews

Norway’s Liquids Output Rebounds by Nearly 100,000 Bpd—but Still Trails 2025

Norway’s crude oil production rose to 1.882 million barrels per day in August, exceeding the Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s forecast but remaining below the level recorded during the same month last year, preliminary figures released on Tuesday showed. Total liquids production, including crude oil, natural gas liquids and condensate, averaged 2.073 million barrels per day. That was an increase of 97,000 barrels per day, or about 4.9%, from the 1.976 million barrels per day produced in July. Despite the monthly recovery and stronger-than-forecast…

Sep 22, 2026 · byOilPrice.com

World: Norway strengthens global preparedness for future pandemics

Countries: World, Norway Source: Government of Norway Norway will contribute a total of NOK 1 billion to the next strategic period of CEPI – the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The aim is to strengthen global capacity to detect and stop future epidemics and pandemics through research, innovation and the development of new vaccines. The world is better prepared to respond to new health crises today than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, experience from recent years has shown how important it is to maintain investments in research, preparedness, and international cooperation to respond to future disease outbreaks. ‘Pandemics have no borders. That is why we need strong international partnerships that can support the rapid development of vaccines and other medical countermeasures when new health threats emerge. CEPI is an excellent example of how countries can work together to strengthen global preparedness,‘ said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust. Since its inception, Norway has been a key supporter of CEPI. The organisation was established in 2017 as an international partnership between governments, research institutions, civil society organisations and philanthropic actors to develop vaccines and other medical countermeasures against epidemics and pandemics. CEPI works to ensure that such countermeasures are available to everyone who needs them. Norway's contribution will be announced during the United Nations High-level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Investing in future preparedness CEPI's new strategy, CEPI 3.0, covers the period 2027 to 2031. The strategy is designed to strengthen global capacity to prevent and respond to future epidemics and pandemics. A key objective is the so-called '100 Days Mission'. The goal is to develop, test and make safe and effective vaccines available against a new pandemic threat within 100 days of a virus being identified. This objective has been highlighted by both the G7 and G20 countries as an important element of global health preparedness. To achieve this, CEPI will, among other things, work to develop vaccines against priority disease threats, advance technologies that can be rapidly adapted to new viruses, and strengthen collaboration among researchers, public health authorities and vaccine manufacturers worldwide. ‘The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical importance of international cooperation, research and innovation in responding to global health crises. Through its support for CEPI, Norway is helping to ensure that the world is better prepared when the next serious health threat emerges,‘ said Aukrust. From research to action CEPI supports research into infectious diseases that have the potential to develop into epidemics or pandemics. The organisation works with governments, research institutions, industry and international organisations worldwide to improve preparedness and enable a rapid response when new threats emerge. The new strategic period builds on the experience gained during CEPI's first years of operation and aims to ensure that new knowledge and technologies can be put into use more quickly when the world faces new health challenges. For many years, Norway has been a strong advocate of international cooperation on global health. Support for CEPI forms part of the Norwegian Government's efforts to improve global health preparedness and contribute to a safer and better-prepared world. About CEPI CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) is an international partnership working to develop vaccines and other medical countermeasures against epidemics and pandemics. The organisation brings together governments, research institutions, civil society organisations and philanthropic partners in a shared effort to strengthen global preparedness for future infectious disease threats. CEPI 3.0 is the organisation's strategy for the period 2027–2031. CEPI is headquartered in Oslo.

Sep 22, 2026 · byReliefWeb

Norway PM 'prepared, but not afraid' of Russian incursion

The Prime Minister of Norway says threats from Russia are part of the modern security picture and should be taken seriously.

Sep 21, 2026 · byCBC News

EU to keep opposing new Arctic oil drilling, despite pressure from Norway

Carney touts Arctic alliance with Norway during PM's visit to Ottawa, amid Russia threat

Prime Minister Mark Carney is courting deeper defence ties with Norway, as well as investment from its massive, petroleum-based sovereign wealth fund.

Sep 21, 2026 · byCBC News

A ticking 'mercury bomb'? Ancient Nazi U-boat lies off Norway

Off the Norwegian island of Fedje lies a German WWII submarine believed to contain a huge load of mercury. Underwater footage shows the state of the wreck today and why salvaging it has become a race against time.

Sep 19, 2026 · byEuronews

Experience: I survived being buried in an avalanche

I was at the mercy of the mountain, heading towards a 20-metre drop, about to discover what it felt like to die Growing up in Sweden, I was as comfortable on skis as I was walking on my feet. As a teenager, I became a professional free skier, a style that features jumps and tricks. In my 20s, I moved into content creation. Now, at 38, I spend the winter months filming extreme ski videos with my photographer wife, Sofia. In March this year, we’d been staying at the base of the Lyngen Alps, northern Norway. Nonstop rain had prevented us from filming but, finally, we had fresh powder and clear skies. The plan was for me to go up the mountain with a friend, Lovisa, and make our way down as the sun was setting. Sofia would film us from the bottom using a drone. Continue reading...

Sep 18, 2026 · byThe Guardian

Robots grow and package lettuce year-round in Norway's fully automated farm

Norway's first fully automated facility for vegetable production was put into operation last fall. This spring, the first products hit store shelves.

Sep 18, 2026 · byPhys.org

Bitdeer sells 1,506 Bitcoin for $105M in August as zero-treasury policy drains reserves to 61 BTC

Bitdeer's zero-treasury policy mitigates Bitcoin price risk but increases market supply pressure, while its Norway deal shifts focus to AI. The post Bitdeer sells 1,506 Bitcoin for $105M in August as zero-treasury policy drains reserves to 61 BTC appeared first on Crypto Briefing .

Sep 17, 2026 · byCryptoBriefing

Laura Kaminski relishing trophy hunt at Brann after Crystal Palace ‘crash course’ | Moving the Goalposts

Former Palace head coach has won a cup final in Norway and says chance to challenge for league title was a pull “When it’s a good day, it’s absolutely stunning, so we’ll take that,” Laura Kaminski says with a laugh about the rainy west coast of Norway. The English former promotion-winning Crystal Palace coach is referring to Bergen, the place she now calls home, whose football club, Brann, she has taken to her heart since her appointment in January. She could easily be speaking about the job itself. After Brann failed to qualify for the Women’s Champions League owing to a 4-0 second-leg defeat by Austria Vienna, they secured a cup final success against Aalesund, handing Kaminski a first major trophy on the continent. Her team are four points clear at the top of the league with seven games remaining. Continue reading...

Sep 17, 2026 · byThe Guardian

Italy's Meloni visits Norway to boost energy, critical minerals ties

‘My scar, not your scar’: Tuchel stands by England semi-final subs but admits wrong timing

Coach says Argentina’s gung-ho approach forced hand ‘No one is more hurt than me, no one wanted it more’ Thomas Tuchel stands by his heavily criticised defensive substitutions in the World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina this summer, but the England head coach accepts he made them too early. Tuchel said England were “waiting for death”, unable to cope with the attacking tactics adopted by Argentina in Atlanta as they chased the game after Anthony Gordon’s opener on the hour. He said fatigue and the success of defending with a back five in knockout games against Mexico and Norway also influenced his decisions to sit on the lead. Continue reading...

Sep 16, 2026 · byThe Guardian

‘Growth of the Soil’ Review: Norway’s Oscar Entry Is a Robustly Classical, Weatherbeaten Rural Epic

The wind deserves above-the-title billing in “Growth of the Soil” — even in the most serene scenes of Hans Petter Moland’s muscular period epic, you can hear it rattling and wheezing and moaning away in the background, or at the very least, you think you can. The elements are crucial characters in this saga of […]

Sep 16, 2026 · byVariety

The 28th state? Carney's Canada draws closer to European Union

With a US president who talks of making Canada the 51st state, its leader in Europe where it’s not quite the EU's 28th state on offer, but something the president of the European Commission is calling ‘associate membership’. We’ll ask what that means, how it differs from the close status afforded to the likes of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the UK which Carney’s also visiting ahead of his own Strasbourg speech Thursday before the European Parliament.

Sep 16, 2026 · byFrance 24

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund profits from Israeli holdings amid genocide

As Gaza is being destroyed, the so-called oil fund enjoys robust returns from companies linked to Israel's military.

Sep 16, 2026 · byAl Jazeera

UNHCR Norway Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Norway, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. International refugee protection: Norway has a strong national asylum and integration system and has made commendable contributions to international refugee protection globally. Contributor of funding: Norway is one of UNHCR’s major donors with a significant proportion of unearmarked funding. Norways contribution to UNHCR in 2025 amounted to $129 million. Security of stay and residence: UNHCR advocates for Norway to fully align the procedures and standards regarding loss of refugee protection with the 1951 Refugee Convention. HIGHLIGHTS Resettlement programme Over the past years, Norway has reduced its resettlement quota. The quota was reduced from 1,000 to 500 people in 2025, and further reduced to 100 in 2026. Ukraine Situation Norway has declared 14 areas in Ukraine as safe, and channels Ukrainians from these areas to individual refugee status determination, where the majority of applicants have been rejected. To date, over 4,000 Ukrainians have returned to Ukraine with Norwegian repatriation support. Processing of Syrians In December 2025, Norway lifted the suspension on asylum processing for Syrians, in place since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Plan for Norway 2025-2029 Following parliamentary elections in September 2025, the government presented its Plan for Norway 2025-2029. The plan outlines five priority areas and 25 projects under a security-focused framework, including controlled immigration aligned with integration capacity.

Sep 16, 2026 · byReliefWeb

10 Pounds of Viking Silver Found in Finland Extend Incredible Year for Scandinavian Treasure Hunts

Metal detectors have had a banner year in Scandinavia, where records for the largest recovered Viking silver hoards have been made in Norway, Denmark, and now Finland. A man found two large hoards of silver in southern Finland, containing thousands of coins, as well as pieces of jewelry and scrap silver, that together weighed around […] The post 10 Pounds of Viking Silver Found in Finland Extend Incredible Year for Scandinavian Treasure Hunts appeared first on Good News Network .

Sep 16, 2026 · byGood News Network

Norway faces backlash over 'deeply racist' proposal to jail citizens for West Bank business

Critics say Norway's proposed trade ban on Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria effectively singles out Jews, calling the possible legislation racist.

Sep 16, 2026 · byFox News