Broad political agreement on multi-year support programme for Ukraine

‘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 Støre.

President Zelensky was present at the meeting of the Storting via a digital platform when the support programme was presented. The support programme for Ukraine will total NOK 75 billion over a period of five years, with annual disbursements of approximately NOK 15 billion.

Furthermore, agreement has been reached on an additional allocation for 2023 of NOK 5 billion for developing countries. The war in Ukraine has led to higher prices for food, fertiliser and energy. This additional allocation will be used to provide assistance to countries that are particularly severely affected by the ramifications of the war.

‘The broad agreement reached shows that the Storting endorses the provision of long-term assistance to Ukraine, in the form of both military and civilian support. We have also taken into account the severe humanitarian impacts that Russia’s war in Ukraine is having on the world’s poorest countries,’ Mr Støre said.

A threat to our national interests

Russia’s attack on Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was a watershed moment for Europe, and the war poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Norway’s security, welfare and freedom are all contingent on respect for international law.

‘The war has profound implications for Norway. It concerns us all. International law is our first line of defence. Our security, welfare and freedom all rest on a rules-based order. Russia’s war violates principles that are of fundamental importance to our national interests. We are also seeking to do our part to help Ukraine preserve its democracy,’ said Minister of Finance Trygve Slagsvold Vedum.

The support programme has been named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen, in commemoration of his outstanding humanitarian efforts in Ukraine a hundred years ago. 

The support provided by Norway will be allocated on the basis of Ukraine’s needs. The needs will be assessed on an ongoing basis.   

‘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 Støre said. 

In addition to military support, Norwegian funding will be used for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, for the maintenance of civilian infrastructure, and for reconstruction efforts, when this becomes possible.  

‘Norway has a long tradition of helping civilians affected by war. Russia’s war has brought enormous suffering to Ukraine’s civilian population. There is a widespread need for humanitarian assistance,’ Mr Støre said.

Norway attaches great importance to ensuring a high degree of control and accountability.

‘For this reason, the support will, as a general rule, be channelled through established organisations that have a proven ability to deliver, good capacity and effective control systems,’ said the Minister of Finance.

Facts about the multi-year Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine

• NOK 75 billion to be provided over the five-year period 2023–2027, i.e. NOK 15 billion annually, as well as an additional one-year allocation in 2023 of NOK 5 million to developing countries that are particularly severely affected by the global ramifications of the war.
• The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine includes military support, humanitarian aid, funding to maintain civilian infrastructure and critical societal functions as well as funding to support the reconstruction of Ukrainian society, when this becomes possible. Funding under the programme may also be used to provide civilian support to Moldova to alleviate the impacts of the war.
• In 2023, NOK 7.5 billion will be allocated as civilian support, and NOK 7.5 billion will be used to provide military support.
• The situation in Ukraine will change over time. Over the next five years, the annual distribution between military and civilian support will be established for each budget year. There will be flexibility to make adjustments within the budget year in question.   
• Norwegian military support is intended to help Ukraine to defend itself militarily. Military support includes donations of military equipment from the Norwegian Armed Forces, donations of equipment procured through international cooperation and mechanisms, donations of equipment procured directly from the industry, and support for training of Ukrainian personnel.
• The support programme will clearly distinguish between military and civilian support.
• The civilian support will, as a rule, be provided in the form of grants, not loans.
• The civilian support will be flexible, and there will be no requirement to purchase Norwegian goods and services.
• All humanitarian efforts are to be based on the humanitarian principles.
• As a rule, humanitarian support is to be channelled through established organisations with a proven ability to deliver, good capacity and effective control systems.
• 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.