Speech by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway in Ukraine, H. E. Helene Sand Andresen, during the Strategic Discussion on Ukraine – Scandinavia: Bound Through Thirteen Centuries and the presentation of the Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund, operating under the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine a Driver Towards Reforms and Democracy Project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia and funded by Norway and Sweden.
“Good afternoon,
Esteemed Deputy Foreign Minister Mischenko, dear Mr Sheyhus, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends -
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is continuing unabated and the scale of Russia’s rearmament is cause for grave concern. Norway’s support for Ukraine is essential not only for the Ukrainian people, but also for the safety and security of Norway and of Europe as a whole. Two days ago, in Jeddah, Ukraine and USA took important steps toward restoring durable peace for Ukraine. The ball is now in Russia’s court. It is positive that the US is also willing to put pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire. However, many issues remain to be solved. A just and lasting peace means Ukrainian ownership of the process and continuing and growing strength of Ukraine – with strong and stalwart armed forces, potent military industry, good governance, rule of law, a robust civil society.
The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine was launched in February 2023. Endorsed by all political parties in our parliament, it is independent of election cycles. It has a long-term perspective, currently until 2030. It is based on Ukraine’s needs and closely aligned with international efforts. There are basically three main areas of support: to the Ukrainian Armed Forces; to upholding crucial state services; and to humanitarian assistance, recovery and development. Within this third pillar, some funding is earmarked to strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and civil society. This is vital for Ukraine’s goal to become fully integrated into European family of institutions.
Originally, the Nansen Programme was for a total of NOK 75 billion over a five-year period for both military and civilian needs. Last week, a united Parliament (Storting) agreed to increase the amount for this year by an additional 50 billion kroner, bringing the total for 2025 to 85 billion kroner, equivalent to 7,8 billion euro. As Prime Minister Støre said, the funding from Norway helps enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and also supports the peace plan those European countries are developing.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This epitomizes Ukraine and her people - and we, your partners, are doing our best to rise to the challenge alongside you. The Norwegian government, political parties and society are united in standing with Ukraine and with our allies.
Since the growing pains of modern independence in 1991, in the face of turbulence and war, Ukrainian civil society has a vital role in uniting the country. President Zelensky has spoken about this many times, including in the Resilience Plan presented last November.
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege to travel across this great country. I have witnessed the difference that Ukrainian CSOs are making to people’s lives. I have the greatest respect and admiration for those who risk their lives on daily basis to provide much-needed help and solidarity. For all those whose resilience, dedication and fortitude complement the work of the soldiers fighting on the front lines. For the watchdogs and the investigative journalists who keep us honest. For the volunteers serving meals, making camouflage nets and building drones in their kitchens. All of them – and millions more – make up civil society. They, you – and we, your Scandinavian, Nordic-Baltic, European partners – are all united in our common goal to ensure Ukraine remains a sovereign independent country that freely chooses its own future.
Last summer, Norway and Sweden issued a call for proposals in a dedicated fund for civil society organizations. It attracted a lot of applications, including many which were hard to turn down. One of the main recipients, Ednannia, will reach a broad specter of civil society organizations with mentoring and small-scale grants all over Ukraine. The fund is a facet of our strategic partnership with Ukraine as well as a Scandinavian partnership around Ukraine. Rather than competing, or duplicating, we are joining Scandinavian efforts with Ukrainian capacity, experience and dedication. And we warmly welcome other countries to join the fund.
Dear friends, on a final note,
Over a thousand years ago, when there was civil war in Norway, we sent our princes to the brightest, most advanced and progressive European court of the time. We sent them to safety. We sent them to receive their education and formation. We sent them to Kyiv.
When I first entered St.Sophia’s Cathedral, the spirit of our common heritage flooded through me. When I see the monument to the legendary founders of Kyiv, aboard their Viking Ship, I know that we are family. Ukraine’s home today is in the family of free and democratic European nations.
Slava Ukraini!”
