A broad majority in the Storting, Norway's parliament, has agreed on a multi-year support program for Ukraine worth NOK 75 billion - almost €7 billion, reports the European Pravda, citing the Norwegian government's press service.
The support program was named after Nobel Peace Prize winner Fridtjof Nansen, who, in his work 100 years ago, made efforts to help Ukraine, among other things.
‘I am very pleased that there is such broad agreement on the support programme for Ukraine, which will extend over five years and thus into the next parliamentary period. We are standing together in condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine and in supporting the Ukrainian people’s legitimate fight to defend themselves,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere.
Annual contributions under the program will amount to about 15 billion kroons (more than 1,3 billion euros), and assistance will be provided based on Ukraine's current needs, which will be updated regularly.
‘In the current phase of the war, weapons support will be of critical importance in enabling Ukraine to regain control of its territory. In 2023, half of the assistance provided will be in the form of military support,’ Prime Minister Stoere said.
In addition to military support, the funds will be used for humanitarian needs in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, including Moldova, to support civilian infrastructure and reconstruction " when this becomes possible."
In 2023, 7,5 billion kronor of support will be allocated for Ukraine's military needs and the same amount for civilian needs. Since the situation may change in the coming years, the annual proportion of aid for civilian and military needs will be determined immediately before the next year.
The military assistance will include the provision of weapons from the Norwegian army's existing inventory and those purchased through international mechanisms, weapons purchased directly from manufacturers, and training for the Ukrainian military.
Norway wants to ensure a high level of control and accountability, so support will mostly be provided through proven effective organizations. Assistance for civilian needs will be provided mainly in the form of grants.
“Close coordination with the Ukrainian authorities and international partners in targeting the support will be vital to ensure that the funds are used in line with Ukraine’s needs. The support is intended to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law and civil society in Ukraine,” the communique adds.
In addition, the MPs supported the allocation of another 5 billion kronor to support poorer countries that have suffered economically due to the global consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine.