The Norwegian government proposes to increase the total funding for the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine to 135 billion Norwegian kroner ($12.7 billion) and extend it for another three years until 2030. This is stated in a government press release.
“Norway is firmly supporting Ukraine. Ukraine has a tremendous need for both military and civilian assistance in its struggle against Russian aggression. We are increasing allocations for 2024 to a total of 27 billion Norwegian kroner ($2.5 billion). At the same time, we are extending the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine for another three years and increasing the total funding structure from 75 billion to 135 billion Norwegian kroner. Ukraine's ability to defend itself is crucial for the Ukrainian people and for ensuring the security of Europe,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
He added that the government has informed the Norwegian parliament about the scope and objectives of this support, as well as efforts to further develop the support program to ensure its adaptation to Ukraine's needs, based on information received from all political parties.
Currently, the government proposes to increase the total funding structure of the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine from 75 billion Norwegian kroner to at least 135 billion Norwegian kroner and extend the program until 2030.
“Ukraine needs broad support to continue resisting Russia's aggressive war. The Norwegian government has increased military support allocations by 2.5 billion Norwegian kroner in the first year of the support program, and this year we have increased contributions even more. It is extremely important that the measures we implement adequately reflect Ukraine's needs and are coordinated with other international military support being provided to Ukraine,” said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
It is noted that the government has proposed to increase allocations to Ukraine by an additional 5 billion Norwegian kroner in 2024, bringing Norway's total contribution to 27 billion Norwegian kroner.
The new proposal means that civilian support will be increased to 10 billion Norwegian kroner, while military support will rise to 17 billion Norwegian kroner.
Increased military support will enable Ukraine to strengthen its air defense and purchase other essential equipment. Civilian support for Ukraine helps maintain critical state functions while the country defends itself against Russian aggression.
Norway is also providing funds for the repair and investment in energy infrastructure that has been destroyed by Russian attacks.
It is worth noting that the proposal now needs to be approved by parliament.
