- Norwegian businesses must increasingly navigate sanctions and export regulations, particularly due to the war in Ukraine. Control over the export of strategic and sensitive goods, technology, and knowledge has become more important. The caseload is growing. Therefore, the government has decided to establish a dedicated agency to strengthen the implementation of sanctions and export control. It is crucial for our security, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated the process of establishing a new subordinate agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for case processing, issuance of export licenses, and guidance in export control and sanctions. The goal is for the agency to be established in 2024. Important questions, such as the agency’s name, location, and organizational structure, will be clarified in the coming period.
- In addition to the security policy situation, the work is further complicated as a result of new technologies, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Huitfeldt.
The sanctions against Russia and Belarus and the increased importance of export control have led to a tremendous increase in inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- We see that the need for assistance and follow-up is significant, particularly in the business sector and academia. The goal of establishing a new agency is to ensure better guidance and faster processing of cases, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Huitfeldt.
Currently, sanction regulations and export control are managed in different sections within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Consolidating these responsibilities into a single agency will enhance the recruitment of specialist expertise and foster the development of the professional community. The policy will be retained, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will continue to hold the constitutional responsibility for these important areas of expertise.
More information about the new agency will be made available during the government’s budget process in the autumn.