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TODAY IN NORWAY

Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday

Norway’s immigration authority dismisses over 1,000 cases where deception is suspected, interest rate cut likely to be delayed, and more news from Norway on Wednesday. 

Published: 17 April 2024 09:30 CEST
Pictured is a view of downtown Oslo.
Find out what's going on in Norway on Wednesday with The Local's short roundup of important news. Pictured is a view of downtown Oslo. Photo by Eirik Skarstein on Unsplash

Norway’s UDI dismisses over 1,000 cases where deception is suspected 

More than 1,000 cases where the UDI suspected that asylum and immigration applicants had lied have been dropped by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), public broadcaster NRK reports. 

“We were in a situation where a large number of cases were created, but where our capacity was not in proportion to the amount of cases. This meant that we did not get a good enough grip on the matters that we believe are the most serious. At the same time, it led to a good number of these cases becoming very old,” director of the UDI Frode Forfang told NRK. 

The dismissal comes after the Ministry of Justice told the UDI to close old cases last year. The UDI has decided that cases older than three years will no longer be investigated.

Interest rate cut likely to be delayed 

Financial institution DNB Markets has said that the central bank will likely delay interest rate cuts until December. 

The first cut was projected to arrive in September. DNB Markets believe an increase in real wages and a weak krone have increased inflationary pressure. 

“As a result of stronger drive in the economy and a weak krone, Norges Bank will probably choose to postpone the first interest rate cut until December,” Kjersti Haugland at DNB Markets said. 

Haugland said that after a first interest rate cut in December, the central bank will likely take a gradual and moderate approach to lowering rates. 

PM saddened by vandalism to Jewish cemetery 

Over the weekend, a Jewish cemetery in Trondheim was vandalized, something which Norway’s PM has condemned. 

“It upsets me. I strongly distance myself from these actions, which are completely unacceptable in Norway,” Jonas Gahr Støre said to VG. 

“I understand that such actions are frightening for Norwegian Jews. I emphasize that we should not bring the conflict from the Middle East home to Norway and turn it into a conflict between people in this country,” he said. 

Trouble with train traffic in Oslo 

Another signal issue has led to a train stoppage between Bryn and Grorud stations in Oslo. 

Trains on the Sørlandsbanen are also affected by the issues. This affects trains between Oslo and Stavanger. 

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TODAY IN NORWAY

Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday

Norway commits to enhanced Nordic military border cooperation, prominent Norwegian housing supplier declares bankruptcy, and other news from Norway on Thursday.

Published: 2 May 2024 08:33 CEST
Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday

Norway, Sweden, and Finland to enhance military border cooperation

In light of security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO membership, Norway, Sweden, and Finland have decided to join forces to strengthen collaboration on cross-border transport corridors.

On Tuesday, Norway’s Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård emphasised the need for closer ties with Nordic neighbours to address shared military needs.

“The security policy situation following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Sweden’s and Finland’s entry into NATO makes it necessary to cooperate more closely,” Nygård said in a press release.

With Norway serving as a crucial transit point for military personnel and equipment, the three countries aim to fortify infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, ports, and airports.

The agreement outlines plans for enhancing military mobility, crafting a long-term Nordic strategy for cross-border connections, and regular cooperation and exercises.

One of Norway’s leading housing suppliers declares bankruptcy

Boligpartner, a prominent housing supplier in Norway, has announced bankruptcy, as reported by the newspaper Østrlendingen.

The managing director of BP Gruppen Norge AS, Eskild Wedvik, said the decision was quite challenging, according to a press release cited by the local newspaper Hamar Arbeiderblad.

“This is a difficult day for everyone at Boligpartners… We have fought hard… The goal has always been to save a large workplace and a strong brand built over 30 years,” Wedvik said.

Despite efforts to navigate financial difficulties in a changing housing market and a turnover exceeding 1 billion kroner in 2022, the company ultimately faced insurmountable challenges.

Last week, all Norwegian construction sites under Boligpartner ceased operations.

Electric cars banned from Oslo and Akershus public transport lanes

Starting May 6th, electric cars will no longer be allowed to drive in the public transport lanes of Oslo and Akershus, according to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK).

The ban, enforced around the clock, is a temporary measure set to last at least three years, as announced by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

Since 2003, electric vehicles have been able to use public transport lanes. However, due to the increasing number of electric cars utilising these lanes, particularly during rush hours, buses have experienced significant delays.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration hopes that restricting electric cars from public transport lanes can alleviate traffic challenges and improve public transport efficiency in the capital area.

Norwegian government allocates 286 million kroner for leisure activities

Under a new initiative, the Norwegian government is unveiling 43 measures aimed at enhancing cultural, sports, and outdoor engagement in the country.

Priorities include lowering activity costs, broadening accessibility, and addressing concerns about social inequality.

Norwegian Minister for Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery, emphasised the importance of supporting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Voluntary organisations nationwide are doing an incredible job for children and young people, but these are tough times for many. We’re witnessing rising prices leading to decreased participation. It’s typically the children from families with limited resources and connections who are most affected. We all have a collective responsibility to address this,” Jaffery said.

In addition to the 286 million kroner, the government also earmarked 1.9 billion kroner for municipal sports facilities, an increase of 180 million from the previous year.

Measles cases confirmed in Hønefoss kindergarten

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has told the newspaper Dagbladet that two children attending a kindergarten in Hønefoss in Viken County have been diagnosed with measles.

Despite the confirmed cases, the NIPH reassured the public, stating they do not anticipate major outbreaks similar to those seen in Great Britain in recent months.

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