Allocations for the High North to be increased by NOK 196 million

In keeping with the High North Strategy, the Government is proposing an increase of NOK 196 million in the 2008 government budget to follow up its special focus on the High North. This means that the Government will have increased allocations for the High North by almost NOK 0.5 billion in the course of this year and next.

“The purpose is to safeguard Norwegian economic, environmental and security interests in the north,” said Foreign Minister Støre, who is heading the Government’s High North efforts.

These efforts cover a broad range of areas and are being funded over the budgets of eight different ministries. The proposals reflect an increased focus on cooperation with Russia, research, the environment, petroleum exploration and issues relating to indigenous peoples, all of which are priority areas in the High North Strategy, which was presented last December.

In the Foreign Ministry’s budget for 2008, it is proposed that NOK 271 million be allocated for High North purposes, an increase of NOK 20 million over 2007. These funds are intended to cover all of the Foreign Ministry’s priority areas in the High North, which are strengthened cooperation with Russia, the Barents Cooperation, nuclear safety and the Norwegian chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

“The purpose of our High North efforts is to ensure that Norway is able to continue its tradition of responsible management of resources, predictable exercise of sovereignty and close cooperation with our neighbours and allies,” said the Foreign Minister.

“The opportunities and challenges in the north are closely connected with our access to – and our stewardship of – abundant natural resources. The Barents Sea is a source of food for Europe and an emerging international energy province. An active High North policy will enable us to exercise our responsibility and provide new opportunities for development and wealth creation in the north,” said Foreign Minister Støre.