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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Nordic nations embrace total defense as the risk of sabotage and war rises
In 1944, Norwegian resistance fighters in the town of Kongsberg blew up a factory making cannons for occupying Nazi German forces during World War II. More than 80 years later, the municipality could once again be a target for sabotage and is preparing for war. The local authorities have dusted off Cold War-era bomb shelters, installed a new satellite communications system and are working with the military on plans to help a deployment of Western forces in case of conflict. "The lesson we learned from Ukraine is that everybody pitched in," said Odd John Resser, Kongsberg's Emergency Planning Officer, noting breweries that pivoted to making Molotov cocktails, local authorities that built schools in shelters and weapons factories which ramped up production. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 모공각화증, 스크럽보다 '이것' 먼저 해보세요 현명한소비자 Undo Across the Nordic nations , governments are boosting defense spending, reassessing security and pushing the concept of total defense. It's an approach which mobilizes the whole of society to defend against military and non-military threats. As Moscow wages war in Ukraine, Western officials are accusing Russia of being behind a campaign of sabotage, arson and cyberattacks and there are jitters across the continent about whether Europe can rely on the U.S. as a partner. Live Events The Norwegian government published its first national security strategy in May, saying the country is facing its most serious security situation since World War Two. "After decades of peace," it warned, "a new era has begun for Norway and for Europe." "What is now happening in Ukraine has to be a wake-up call for all and we must strengthen our defense to prevent anything like that from happening to us," Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told The Associated Press. Total defense Norway announced in January that it plans to start building bomb shelters in new buildings after halting the practice in 1998. The Swedish government appointed its first minister for civil defense in 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. Residents aged 16 to 70 are required to serve in the event or threat of war, either in the military or helping to provide rescue, firefighting, healthcare or other services. Finland's civil defense shelters are the envy of the Nordics and can fit around 86% of the Finnish population. One public shelter in Helsinki can fit 6,000 people, is designed to withstand the fallout from a nuclear attack and is in an almost constant state of readiness with beds and sinks tucked away behind blast doors and an underground hockey pitch. Norway and some other Nordic nations also tell residents to have enough food and water stored for seven days. "How would you and your nearest family manage if the electricity supply was cut off for a longer period? What would you do if the water supply failed?" the Norwegian handbook asks. AP spoke to 11 people in Kongsberg and the majority said they had some form of supplies. While most didn't have a stockpile for seven days - and some had nothing at all - two people said they could probably survive for more than a week. "Russia is very close to Norway and you don't know what's going to happen. I would rather be prepared than not prepared," said Katina Bakke, who works in a sports shop in Kongsberg. Community support for troops Although Norwegian authorities are not expecting an imminent conflict, if war comes to Northern Europe, Kongsberg could be critical. The municipality, 85 kilometers (52 miles) southwest of the Norwegian capital Oslo with a population of around 27,000 people, is the headquarters of the Kongsberg Group, which makes high-precision weapons currently used in Ukraine. The company opened a new factory in 2024, ramping up production of advanced missiles used by multiple European countries. The town could also play host to troops if there is a conflict. In May, local authorities across the region met with the military to plan support for Western troops with logistics and healthcare in the event of a deployment. "If the allies are coming to Norway, either staying, training, doing war work or in transit towards the east, we will have a big task for the whole community to support that," Resser said. By readying for the worst, Resser said, the municipality also prepares for other - more likely - threats such as a pandemic, extreme weather or power outages such as the one that immobilized Spain and Portugal in April. Power generation and print-outs Authorities in Kongsberg were not always so proactive but a flood in 2007 and an exercise simulating a four-day power disruption in 2016 made them realize they needed to step up. They did a risk assessment, as obliged by law, identified more than 30 vulnerabilities and started spending money on contingency plans. Back-up power generators were bought for the town hall, medical facilities and old people's homes as well as a satellite link to be able to call for help. In case of a cyberattack, the local health authorities print and file critical patient data once a week. There were teething problems - the first satellite phones purchased in 2017 could only connect from the local graveyard which was "not practical" in -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) in winter, said Resser. The second system was discovered to be broken in November last year, shortly after Donald Trump was elected for a second term as U.S. president. Unsure of what Trump's election would mean for Norway, the local authorities chose a Norwegian satellite communications provider over an American competitor, Resser said, because the municipality wanted to make sure it had "national control" in an emergency. The "key difference" in the resilience model used across the Nordic nations is that it "empowers" local authorities to make decisions said Martha Turnbull, Director at the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki, Finland. In the Nordics it's not up to the army to bring in bottles of water in a crisis; rather, there is the "expectation" that local authorities will respond, along with civilians and businesses, Turnbull said. Sabotage Europeans elsewhere need to realize the threat from Moscow can reach "much deeper" than nations bordering Russia, said Matthew Redhead, a national security expert at the Royal United Services Institute in London. "The threat is rising," from Russia's campaign of vandalism, sabotage and arson across Europe and Moscow could target energy grids, internet cables and water supplies, Norway's Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik told AP. "Sabotage has become one of the threats that is now on the radar to an extent that we haven't seen probably since the Second World War" said Even Tvedt, Chief Security Officer at the Kongsberg Group. Reeling off suspicious incidents at the company, he detailed how in 2024 an activist tried to destroy engines for fighter jets, drones were spotted over an area where it's illegal to fly and attempts were made to get through a factory perimeter. It's not always possible to identify motivation or to say if the incidents are separate, linked or just "some kid" flying a drone, but the number of suspicious events indicates sabotage is highly possible, Tvedt said. Moscow is ramping up its activities in Europe to a "pre-war" level, said Redhead, but away from Russia ordinary people and local authorities may be less ready for a crisis because "we don't think we will be on the front line." "Freaking people out about this at some point is potentially quite necessary."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Nordic nations embrace total defence as risk of sabotage, war rises
The above-ground entrance to a public shelter, which can fit around 450 people in case of crisis or war, is seen in Kongsberg, Norway (Image credit: AP) In 1944, Norwegian resistance fighters in the town of Kongsberg blew up a factory making cannons for occupying Nazi German forces during World War II. More than 80 years later, the municipality could once again be a target for sabotage and is preparing for war. The local authorities have dusted off Cold War-era bomb shelters, installed a new satellite communications system and are working with the military on plans to help a deployment of Western forces in case of conflict. "The lesson we learned from Ukraine is that everybody pitched in," said Odd John Resser, Kongsberg's Emergency Planning Officer, noting breweries that pivoted to making Molotov cocktails, local authorities that built schools in shelters and weapons factories which ramped up production. Across the Nordic nations, governments are boosting defence spending, reassessing security and pushing the concept of total defence. It's an approach which mobilizes the whole of society to defend against military and non-military threats. As Moscow wages war in Ukraine, Western officials are accusing Russia of being behind a campaign of sabotage, arson and cyberattacks and there are jitters across the continent about whether Europe can rely on the US as a partner. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The Norwegian government published its first national security strategy in May, saying the country is facing its most serious security situation since World War Two. "After decades of peace," it warned, "a new era has begun for Norway and for Europe." "What is now happening in Ukraine has to be a wake-up call for all and we must strengthen our defence to prevent anything like that from happening to us," Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told The Associated Press. Total defence Norway announced in January that it plans to start building bomb shelters in new buildings after halting the practice in 1998. The Swedish government appointed its first minister for civil defence in 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. Residents aged 16 to 70 are required to serve in the event or threat of war, either in the military or helping to provide rescue, firefighting, healthcare or other services. Finland's civil defence shelters are the envy of the Nordics and can fit around 86 per cent of the Finnish population. One public shelter in Helsinki can fit 6,000 people, is designed to withstand the fallout from a nuclear attack and is in an almost constant state of readiness with beds and sinks tucked away behind blast doors and an underground hockey pitch. Norway and some other Nordic nations also tell residents to have enough food and water stored for seven days. "How would you and your nearest family manage if the electricity supply was cut off for a longer period? What would you do if the water supply failed?" the Norwegian handbook asks. AP spoke to 11 people in Kongsberg and the majority said they had some form of supplies. While most didn't have a stockpile for seven days - and some had nothing at all - two people said they could probably survive for more than a week. "Russia is very close to Norway and you don't know what's going to happen. I would rather be prepared than not prepared," said Katina Bakke, who works in a sports shop in Kongsberg. Community support for troops: Although Norwegian authorities are not expecting an imminent conflict, if war comes to Northern Europe, Kongsberg could be critical. The municipality, 85 kilometres southwest of the Norwegian capital Oslo with a population of around 27,000 people, is the headquarters of the Kongsberg Group, which makes high-precision weapons currently used in Ukraine. The company opened a new factory in 2024, ramping up production of advanced missiles used by multiple European countries. The town could also play host to troops if there is a conflict. In May, local authorities across the region met with the military to plan support for Western troops with logistics and healthcare in the event of a deployment. "If the allies are coming to Norway, either staying, training, doing war work or in transit towards the east, we will have a big task for the whole community to support that," Resser said. By readying for the worst, Resser said, the municipality also prepares for other - more likely - threats such as a pandemic, extreme weather or power outages such as the one that immobilized Spain and Portugal in April. Sabotage: Europeans elsewhere need to realise the threat from Moscow can reach "much deeper" than nations bordering Russia, said Matthew Redhead, a national security expert at the Royal United Services Institute in London. "The threat is rising," from Russia's campaign of vandalism, sabotage and arson across Europe and Moscow could target energy grids, internet cables and water supplies, Norway's defence minister Tore O Sandvik told AP. "Sabotage has become one of the threats that is now on the radar to an extent that we haven't seen probably since the Second World War" said Even Tvedt, Chief Security Officer at the Kongsberg Group. Reeling off suspicious incidents at the company, he detailed how in 2024 an activist tried to destroy engines for fighter jets, drones were spotted over an area where it's illegal to fly and attempts were made to get through a factory perimeter. It's not always possible to identify motivation or to say if the incidents are separate, linked or just "some kid" flying a drone, but the number of suspicious events indicates sabotage is highly possible, Tvedt said. Moscow is ramping up its activities in Europe to a "pre-war" level, said Redhead, but away from Russia ordinary people and local authorities may be less ready for a crisis because "we don't think we will be on the front line." "Freaking people out about this at some point is potentially quite necessary."
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Norway To Randomly Select 100,000 Millennials, Gen Z For Tax Cuts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Norway plans to randomly select 100,000 people born between 1990 and 2005, covering both millennials and Gen Z, to receive an annual tax cut of $2,700 for several years. Newsweek has reached out to Norway's Ministry of Finance via email for comment. Why It Matters The Norwegian government is currently exploring ways to boost participation in the labor market, following rising social security payments and a shortage of workers across multiple sectors, as per Reuters. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store during a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2025. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store during a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 24, has the largest sovereign wealth fund (SWF), which is a state-owned investment fund, in the world, an amount of $1.8 trillion. Tens of billions are spent from the fund each year. What To Know The initiative has been proposed by Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Labor Minister Tonje Brenna. If passed, it will offer tax cuts for around 8 percent of workers who are between 20 and 35 years of age, spanning older millennials into younger Gen Z. The initiative aims to measure if lower taxes could drive higher employment. If it is passed by parliament, the group of 100,000 people would be part of an academic study. Those with tax cuts would then be compared to those without. It is estimated that the measure would cost around $49 million annually, according to Reuters. In 2024, the country's former Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum along with Brenna raised Norway's Tax Free Allowance to $9,500 (100,000 NOK). In an interview with the outlet NRK at the time, Vedun said: "We want young people to be able to earn up to 100,000 NOK without being burdened by taxes. Therefore, we are raising the Tax-Free Allowance from 70,000 NOK to 100,000 NOK. This means that more young people will be able to work without paying any taxes." Norway is not the only European country to look at tax breaks for young people. Portugal has introduced a comprehensive tax relief program targeting individuals aged 18 to 35. Under this scheme, young professionals earning up to €28,000 ($32,000) annually are exempt from income tax in their first year of employment. France meanwhile offers the "impatriate tax regime," which provides tax benefits to individuals returning to France after working abroad. What People Are Saying Norway's Finance Ministry, in a statement to Reuters: "This will give us strong data on whether such a tax deduction really boosts youth employment, and on how much more or less those who are already in a job will work." What's Next The initiative is projected to last three to five years. Whether it passes in parliament remains to be seen.
Asharq Al-Awsat
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Denmark to Host Meeting on Arctic Security
The leaders of Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway will meet Monday for talks on Arctic security, Denmark's government said, as US President Donald Trump vies to gain control of Greenland. Trump has repeatedly said the US needs the strategically-located resource-rich Arctic island for security reasons, and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it. Trump's comments have sparked concern in other Arctic regions as well, including Iceland and Norway's Svalbard archipelago. The remarks have also angered Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who have insisted that the island will decide its own future and the US "will not get Greenland." "Even though our countries meet in different parts of the world, it is natural that we, in this circle of countries, meet to discuss the current security situation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic," AFP quoted Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as saying in a statement issued on Sunday. Monday's talks will be held in Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, and be attended by Frederiksen as well as Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir and Faroe Islands Prime Minister Aksel Johannesen. Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store will participate via video link.
Free Malaysia Today
09-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
UK, northern European nations support US' 30-day ceasefire motion
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store also stressed the need for accountability of such a ceasefire. (AP pic) OSLO : The UK, France and a group of northern European nations said on Friday they supported a US proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. 'We need a ceasefire, an unconditional ceasefire, first,' Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) coalition in Oslo. 'That needs to be monitored and respected before you can move into the negotiations on the big issues to reach a lasting peace,' he added. The JEF comprises 10 countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK – and was set up to rapidly respond to crises. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday also welcomed Trump's ceasefire call. 'We must all work towards this goal without delay, false pretences, or dilatory tactics,' Macron wrote on X. Store said that during a dinner on Thursday with leaders from the coalition member countries they had contact with both US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the proposal. 'We also stress the need for accountability of such a ceasefire, and if it's not respected, there should be sanctions imposed,' Store said. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, speaking later at a joint press conference with Store at the close of the JEF meeting, said the sanctions package 'would best serve its purpose if it was somehow coordinated between Europe … and the US.' He said the 'US has two sanctions packages on the table', and 'the sanctions that we're discussing right now, and that were raised by President Zelensky, had to do with banking and the energy sector.' Stubb noted Russia was 'militarily and economically in a much worse position than perhaps we sometimes read in the public eye.' 'Russia cannot sustain the situation, so let's maximize the pressure.' 'I feel carefully optimistic that at this particular moment in time, we're moving in the right direction, both militarily on the ground, as Zelensky has pointed out, and also in terms of the ceasefire and the peace process.' Trump on Thursday called for 'a 30-day unconditional ceasefire' on his Truth Social network after speaking to Zelensky. Trump said that 'both countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations' to halt the conflict, which started when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Store said meanwhile that JEF countries had invited Ukraine to form 'an enhanced partnership' with the Joint Expeditionary Force. 'At a number of levels, we have agreed to follow up with inviting Ukraine to participate in relevant exercises, to take part in joint training and to work on mutual learning, on technical innovation cooperation,' he said.
