Norway intends to increase its total spending on defence and broader security to 5% of its GDP, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced on Friday, aligning with a proposed NATO-wide target.
European nations are rushing to strengthen their defences amid concerns of a potential Russian threat, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration signalled that the U.S. would no longer be the primary guarantor of European security.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has suggested that all member states should commit to allocating 5% of GDP toward defence and wider security efforts during the upcoming summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25.
"We need to do more to protect our country and support collective security within NATO", Stoere stated at a press conference. He emphasised that safeguarding Norway involves maintaining a credible defence system with appropriate equipment, sufficient personnel, and effective planning.
Norway, which shares a border with Russia, plans to allocate 3.5% of its GDP to traditional defence, including military aid to Ukraine and an additional 1.5% to broader security initiatives, in line with Rutte's recommendation.
According to national statistics agency SSB, Norway spent around 2.2% of GDP on defence in 2024, a significant rise from 1.4% in 2022. The government has projected this figure to reach 3.3% in 2025.
Stoere noted that Norway is likely to meet the 5% target sometime after 2030, depending on the outcomes of the NATO summit next week. When asked about Spain's hesitation to commit to the 5% plan, he expressed confidence that efforts would be made to reach a unified agreement.
Unlike many European countries, Norway is uniquely positioned to fund increased defence spending without borrowing, thanks to its nearly $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund- the largest in the world.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signin...
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal a...
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army...
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal vio...
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, p...
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, pledging future collaboration to respect local heritage.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army's overseas operations.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal violations.
Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to allow visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a major step in restoring relations after decades of restrictions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment