Cooperation on Green Change, the tense situation around Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and cooperation in the field of health were the key topics of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre's first conversation with Charles Michel, President of the European Council.
– We had a very good conversation, which confirms that Norway and the EU share values and have common goals on big, important issues. Norway fully supports the EU's actions towards the green transition. Europe's green environment provides opportunities for Norwegian companies to increase exports, create value and places work in Norway. The Norwegian authorities will contribute to ensuring that Norwegian business and industry becomes an important partner of the EU in this work, says Støre.
The tense security situation in Europe, based on the conflict in and around Ukraine, was also a key issue.
- The EU is one of our most important interlocutors in this matter. We share the concern to build up Russia's forces against Ukraine and support the ongoing diplomatic work to prevent an armed conflict. I shared my Norwegian experiences with my neighborhood with Russia. We agree that there must be close cooperation between the EU and NATO in matters of security policy, said Prime Minister Støre.
We must stop authoritarian trends and work to strengthen democracy
Norway and the EU share important values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
- I am concerned about the development in this area in some EU countries. We must stop authoritarian movements and work to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Europe. For Norway, the EEA funds that we bring to several EU countries are an important tool in this work, says Støre.
- We have a duty to help the Afghans. Hunger, economic chaos and instability in Afghanistan are of interest to Norway and Europe. We must continue to find solutions together to help Afghanistan, says Støre.
Photo: Marte Lerberg Kopstad / Chancellery of the Prime Minister
Source: regjeringen
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