Government to increase support for Ukraine

‘It is important to support the positive trend towards greater European cooperation and integration, particularly in countries where this trend has been put under severe strain in the wake of Russia’s violations of international law in Ukraine. The Government has therefore proposed to increase its support to Ukraine by NOK 160 million, to a total of NOK 200 million,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

In addition, the Government will increase Norway’s support for Moldova by NOK 20 million, to a total of NOK 50 million, and will continue to provide an allocation of NOK 40 million to Georgia.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its continuing destabilisation of eastern Ukraine has resulted in a new security situation in Europe. Moreover, the situation for a number of other countries in the region has changed due to developments in Ukraine. The positive trend towards greater European cooperation and integration has been put under severe strain. In many countries in the region, we are seeing authorities tightening their grip, and democracy, human rights and civil society losing ground.

‘Norway considers it important to work together with our allies and close partners to counter authoritarian tendencies and strengthen shared European values. This applies particularly to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, which are gaining closer ties to Europe, both politically and economically, through association agreements and far-reaching free trade agreements with the EU. These three countries need help to promote stabilisation and reforms in a range of sectors, and Norway aims to be an important partner in this context,’ said Mr Brende.