The security situation in Europe has changed. It also places new requirements in terms of preparedness in case of crisis situations also in Norway. The government proposes to allocate a total of NOK 100 million to actions against foreign intelligence, complex threats and an increased presence in the High North.
– The government will strengthen the security of the Norwegian population and Norwegian interests – and we will do it quickly. That's why we propose a series of measures to secure Norway. We must prevent, detect and combat intelligence, sabotage and influence of foreign countries in Norway. We will strengthen these tasks with a total amount of NOK 100 million, says Minister of Justice and Crisis Management Emilie Enger Mehl.
The PST assesses the threat picture in Norway on an ongoing basis and follows the situation closely. The PST believes that the intelligence threat from Russia in Norway is increased.
- That is why we will strengthen the PST and the police with personnel and equipment. This will ensure increased operational capability and presence, especially in our northernmost locations. We are reinforcing these tasks with NOK 57 million, which will go to a new unit in the police and PST against complex threats as well as increased counterintelligence and presence in northern Norway, says Mehl. At the same time, there is a need on the hardware front for the PST to be able to detect foreign activity in Norway even more.
NOK 45 million for equipment
- In addition, PST will receive 45 million NOK for equipment that will be used to obtain and collect information and detect the activities of foreign countries in Norway - says the Minister of Justice and Crisis Management.
In this perspective, the government will also ensure better control over Svalbard and propose NOK 8 million to introduce the occasional personal control over Svalbard.
PST is the Norwegian security service that is part of the Norwegian police. PST reports directly to the Ministry of Justice and Crisis Preparedness
Source: regjeringen
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