Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke about Ukraine in the Storting today. He told about the plans further. Norway already supports Ukraine with a lot. Støre believes the support must be stepped up.
– I last year we gave over NOK 10 billion in civil and military support to Ukraine. We are now stepping up this support. We will contribute even more to the repair and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, said Støre.
Primarily for the military
– The war in Ukraine has changed the world, changed Europe, changed our everyday life. It is in our national interest that Ukraine does not lose the war, said Støre.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the support should now, in the short term, be military. That Ukraine should be supported so that the country remains free. That the country can defend itself against the Russian use of force.
The payment for the support
– The Ukraine program will involve a temporary increase in the use of oil money, informed Støre.
The Prime Minister believes that Norway has room for these increased expenses. The country has received a lot of money due to the high oil and gas prices.
– Such a contribution can therefore be combined with an otherwise tight budget plan and arranged in a way that has very little impact on the level of activity in the Norwegian economy, said Støre.
Should not use the money in Norway
The government believes that the increased support to Ukraine should not have negative consequences for the economy in Norway.
– DThis effort should not be about bringing more oil money into the Norwegian economy. The Ukraine program shall not lead to increased interest rates or inflation in Norway. This is money out of Norway that we should not use, or would use, in Norway now, Støre said.
Noe the Ukrainians want
Støre believes that the large Norwegian support must be developed over time. It must also reflect what the need is in Ukraine.
– I know that it will be appreciated in Ukraine and by the many Ukrainian refugees who have come to Norway. It will be appreciated by our allies if, across dividing lines, we can agree on an ambitious program that will stand the test of time, Støre said.
Also to people other than the Ukrainians
The Prime Minister believes it is also important to help others who are also affected by the war.
– Norway must be among those who both see the needs in Ukraine, but also the great needs that increased inflation, especially on food, has brought with it in some of the world’s poorest countries, said Støre.
The government will therefore propose a separate, one-year extra grant for developing countries that are particularly affected by the war’s global repercussions.
– This will mean an increased Norwegian contribution to humanitarian efforts and the fight against hunger in countries in Africa and the Middle East, which will also contribute to reduced migration pressure towards Europe in a demanding time, said Støre.
Leadership role
The government believes that Norway can take a leading role in the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
– The Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly requested that important allies such as Norway lead the way, Støre said on the podium in the Storting.
The government believes that Norwegian aid must be built up over time and developed in close contact with international partners.
– With the aim of strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law in Ukraine, Støre pointed out.
