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Norway Expands Arctic Brigade as NATO Strengthens Northern Defences

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Norway expanded its Finnmark Brigade on Thursday as the NATO member strengthens its military presence in the Arctic following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The brigade, established last year as Norway’s second military brigade and the first created since the end of the Cold War, is headquartered in the country’s northern Arctic region.

The expansion adds an artillery battalion, an air defence battery and a communications company to the brigade. These capabilities will allow Norwegian forces to strike targets on land at longer distances and coordinate operations with Norwegian and NATO aircraft and naval forces. The brigade has also been responsible for monitoring and patrolling Norway’s 198-km border with Russia.

Norway has significantly increased defence spending in recent years, with NATO estimating that military expenditure will reach 3.17% of GDP in 2026, compared with 1.5% in 2014. Norwegian officials say the strengthened Arctic presence is intended to improve the country’s ability to respond to threats against Norway and NATO, while Russia has previously rejected claims that it poses a threat to the alliance.

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Person Fined for Waking Sleeping Polar Bear With Foghorn

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A person in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago has been fined 50,000 kroner (£3,890) for using a ship’s foghorn to wake a sleeping polar bear. The incident took place earlier this month as a vessel was sailing through a fjord in north-western Svalbard, around 1,000 km (620 miles) from the North Pole.

According to Svalbard Governor Lars Fause, people aboard the vessel spotted the polar bear sleeping on land and one person sounded the foghorn. The noise woke the animal, which then moved to another location. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, agreed to pay the fine.

Polar bears have been protected in Svalbard since 1972, and local regulations prohibit people from unnecessarily disturbing, attracting or pursuing them. The archipelago is home to an estimated 250 polar bears, based on the most recent scientific count in 2015. Authorities have previously fined tourists for disturbing wildlife, including a visitor who was penalised in 2024 for getting too close to a walrus.

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Uber Halts Most Europe Food Delivery Expansion Amid Delivery Hero Pursuit

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Uber has paused most of its planned food delivery expansion across Europe, just months after announcing its entry into seven new markets, according to a report by the Financial Times. The company has reportedly shelved launches in five of the seven targeted countries, including Austria, Norway, and Greece, while continuing operations in Finland and Denmark.

Earlier this year, Uber had unveiled plans to expand Uber Eats into Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Romania, expecting the move to generate an additional $1 billion in gross bookings over the next three years. However, the company is now focusing on strengthening its presence in markets where it has already launched.

The reported slowdown comes as Uber continues pursuing a takeover of Germany-based Delivery Hero. In May, Delivery Hero confirmed it had received a €33-per-share takeover offer from Uber. Reuters also reported that Uber increased its stake in the company to nearly 37% after acquiring additional shares from Aspex Management. While Delivery Hero declined to comment, Uber has not officially responded to the report.

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Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit Recovering After Successful Lung Transplant

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Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has successfully undergone a lung transplant and is currently recovering, according to the royal household. The 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic illness that gradually reduces lung function. Doctors said she is expected to remain in hospital for several weeks following the surgery.

Earlier this month, Oslo University Hospital revealed that the crown princess had been placed on a transplant waiting list after her condition deteriorated significantly, with medical experts warning that she likely had only about a year to live without the procedure. The royal couple thanked the public for the support and well wishes they have received, with further updates expected only after her discharge.

The surgery comes during a difficult period for Norway’s royal family. Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Hoiby, was recently convicted of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison. Meanwhile, controversies surrounding the royal family have contributed to declining public support for the monarchy, though recent polls show sentiment has improved slightly.

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Norway’s Crown Princess Awaits Urgent Lung Transplant

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Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on the national waiting list for a lung transplant after her health condition worsened, the royal household announced on Friday. The 52-year-old royal, who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, is suffering from a chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and reduces the body’s ability to absorb oxygen.

According to Oslo University Hospital, the progression of the disease has become serious enough that a transplant is now required as soon as possible. Crown Prince Haakon recently cut short an official visit to Japan to return home, while their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, also travelled back to Norway from Australia following the latest health developments.

The royal family has postponed celebrations marking the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary, which had been scheduled for August. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere praised Mette-Marit for openly discussing her illness over the years, saying her transparency has helped raise awareness for others living with similar health challenges.

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Canada Strengthens Arctic Defense Ties With Nordic Nations Amid Trump Pressure

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Canada is expanding its Arctic defense cooperation with Nordic countries as concerns grow over regional security and comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Greenland and Canada. Canadian officials and Nordic allies are increasing military coordination, intelligence sharing and Arctic preparedness amid rising tensions linked to Russia and growing Chinese activity in the region.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has strengthened partnerships with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on the United States for Arctic security. In March, Canada and the Nordic nations agreed to deepen cooperation in defense production, military procurement and cybersecurity. Discussions are also underway to help Greenland develop a local force modeled after Canada’s Rangers.

The renewed focus on Arctic alliances comes as climate change makes the region more accessible and strategically important. Experts say Russia maintains the strongest military presence in the Arctic, while China is increasing its involvement through partnerships and infrastructure projects. Despite Canada’s push for stronger Nordic ties, analysts note that cooperation with the United States through NORAD remains essential for large-scale Arctic defense operations.

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Norway Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

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Norway plans to introduce legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, with a bill expected to be presented in parliament by the end of the year. The proposal would place responsibility on technology companies to enforce strict age verification measures, marking a significant step in regulating youth access to digital platforms.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the move aims to protect childhood from excessive screen exposure and algorithm-driven content. The government emphasized the importance of preserving traditional aspects of growing up, such as play, friendships, and real-world interactions, rather than allowing them to be dominated by digital environments.

The initiative follows similar actions by other countries, including Australia, which recently introduced a comparable ban. Major tech firms like Meta Platforms, Alphabet Inc., and Snap Inc. could be affected, though Norway has not specified which platforms will be targeted. The proposal reflects growing global concern over children’s online safety and the impact of social media on young users.

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Norway Crown Princess Speaks on Epstein Amid Son’s Trial

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Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has recorded an interview with NRK TV addressing her past contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview, conducted with Crown Prince Haakon at their Skaugum residence, comes as her son Marius Borg Høiby’s seven-week rape trial in Oslo nears its conclusion. The crown princess has previously apologized for exercising “poor judgement” and now aims to clarify her involvement in the Epstein files.

Høiby, 29, faces 40 charges including rape, serious assault, drug offenses, and traffic violations. While denying the most severe accusations, his defense has argued for a reduced sentence of 18 months for admitted offenses. Prosecutors have requested a sentence of over seven years, with a verdict expected in June. The trial has intensified scrutiny on the royal family, marking one of the most significant scandals they have faced in recent years.

The emergence of hundreds of emails from 2011–2014 linking Mette-Marit to Epstein further fueled public criticism. These messages revealed she visited Epstein’s Palm Beach residence and was aware of his criminal past. Meanwhile, her health has been declining due to pulmonary fibrosis, and the royal household has announced she may not attend upcoming state visits. An independent parliamentary inquiry into Epstein connections in Norway has also been approved to safeguard public trust.

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Prosecutors Seek Long Jail Term in Norway Royal-Linked Trial

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Norwegian prosecutors have called for a prison sentence of seven years and seven months for Marius Borg Høiby, who is on trial over multiple serious charges including rape and assault. They argued he should be convicted on 39 out of 40 charges, stressing the gravity of the allegations. Høiby denies the most serious accusations, maintaining that all sexual encounters were consensual.

The case, heard at the Oslo district court, has drawn intense public and media attention due to Høiby’s connection to the royal family through Mette-Marit. While he is not a formal royal, he grew up within the royal household. During the trial, he admitted to some lesser offences such as drug possession, traffic violations, and breaching a restraining order, but rejected key accusations including multiple rape charges.

Prosecutors emphasized that several alleged victims were asleep or otherwise unable to consent, and said prior consensual relations were irrelevant to the charges. The defence is expected to argue against the most serious claims, with a verdict pending after judges review the case. The trial has lasted several weeks and is expected to conclude shortly.

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Norway’s Crown Princess Issues Apology Over Past Friendship With Jeffrey Epstein

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Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has issued a “profound apology” after revelations emerged about her past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement released by the palace, she apologised to the Norwegian public and to the Royal House, saying the messages she exchanged with Epstein over several years did not reflect the person she wished to be. The apology followed days of public and media pressure after hundreds of emails between the two from 2011 to 2014 were made public by the US justice department.

The correspondence revealed a warm tone and included discussions about meeting in person, as well as a four-day stay by the crown princess at Epstein’s Palm Beach residence while he was absent. The palace said Mette-Marit was deeply saddened that she had failed to recognise earlier what kind of person Epstein was, despite being aware he had served a prison sentence in 2008. While an earlier statement acknowledged “poor judgement”, the latest apology sought to address growing calls for greater clarity and accountability.

The controversy comes at a difficult time for Norway’s royal family, already under strain due to a high-profile criminal trial involving the crown princess’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, who faces multiple charges he denies. Crown Prince Haakon said the family’s priority was caring for one another amid intense scrutiny. The palace added that Mette-Marit, who is seriously ill with pulmonary fibrosis and awaiting a possible lung transplant, needs time to recover and gather herself before making further comments.

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