Norway Increases its Defense Expenditure as a Means of a Response to the Rising Security Concerns.
Norway is one of the European countries that have joined the list of those who have stepped up their defense capabilities; they have announced a new plan for a considerable increase in military spending. Norway, with its rich oil deposits, aspires to boost its defense forces through the increase of conscripted soldiers from 9,000 to 13,500 by 2036, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
In Friday’s statement, the Norwegian center-left government (with a “historic increase” in military spending that sums up to 52 billion euros over the next 12 years) announced a “historic increase” in military spending. The prime minister highlighted the fact that the country needs a strong defense system that is adapted to the changeable security environment. He advocated that in the circumstances when the security environment worsens Norway must increase investments into defense and preparedness.
Støre articulated a very clear plan on what is to be done with the money, having a total of 140 billion euros set aside for defense spending between now and 2036. The investment would involve acquisition of essential military equipment, including five new frigates and submarines, as well as long-range air defense systems for the first time in the country’s history. Furthermore, the Norwegian government is planning to increase the number of brigades from one to three as well.
Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum promised that the enhanced spending would not result in any budget cuts in the public services. It was emphasized that the investment would serve as a catalyst for job creation and in turn induce economic growth throughout Norway.
The Prime Minister Støre was once again emphasizing that Norway and NATO are not a threat to anyone else, but it is equally important to have the ability to defend and to be prepared for any potential crises or conflicts. The coalition government, made up of the Labour Party and the Centre Party, expects to gain support in the Storting, which is a unicameral assembly of 169 seats, although no specific date for a vote has been set.
