July 22nd main theme in Speech from the Throne

King Harald opened the 157th session of Parliament Tuesday. The July 22nd Commission's report was one of the main themes in the Speech from the Throne.

The speech outlined the Government's program in the coming year, and stated that:

The Government will follow up the report of the 22 July Commission, and will present a white paper on this work. More and better training exercises will be held. The Government has started work on the establishment of a new emergency management centre for the police in Oslo. The capacity of the Armed Forces to assist the police in emergencies will be enhanced. From January next year, the Armed Forces’ stand-by helicopter service at Rygge, south of Oslo, will be able to provide operational and law enforcement support to the police. The efforts to protect targets that may be particularly vulnerable to attack will be strengthened.

On economy, and social and welfare programs:

Europe is currently in the throes of economic instability, social unrest and high unemployment. While our neighbouring countries are struggling, Norway is experiencing low unemployment, innovative developments in the business sector and high labour market participation.

Social differences are small in Norway. We have confidence in one another and in our society. The Government will work to maintain these qualities.

The Government will ensure good health services for all, and will follow up the reform to improve coordination in the health sector. The Government attaches importance to quality and patient safety in the health services, and will promote electronic coordination in this sector. The Government will present a white paper on these topics.

Those in need of care services must be given the opportunity to master their daily lives, and should enjoy a good quality of life and feel secure. The Government will present a white paper on innovation and new technology in the care services. The Government will also draw up a new national cancer strategy.

The Government will continue to give high priority to education and research. This is crucial to secure our welfare society and ensure that we can deal with the major challenges we are facing at both national and global level. The Government will present a white paper on research, focusing particularly on the links between education, research and innovation in the business sector and society as a whole.

The Government has high ambitions for the Norwegian school system. Children are all different, and learn in different ways. Schools must therefore give all pupils opportunities to learn more. The Government will present a white paper on further efforts to improve primary education.

The Government will promote high quality in day care centres for children, and will present a white paper on future developments in this area.

The Government will further strengthen expertise and capacity in the municipal child welfare services, and aims to present a bill on amendments to the Child Welfare Act.

The Government will provide a good framework that enables local authorities to further develop their services and enhance the welfare of the population.

On foreign relations:

- The Government will pursue a policy for sustainable development. Norway will be at the forefront of efforts to achieve an ambitious climate agreement that includes binding commitments for all countries.

The Government will present a white paper on the expected impacts of climate change for Norway and our policy for climate change adaptation and the challenges and opportunities involved.

The main features of Norwegian foreign policy will remain unchanged, including our strong support for the UN and international law, our membership of NATO, the EEA Agreement and our status as a non-member of the EU.

The High North will continue to be the Government’s most important strategic foreign policy priority. The Government will further develop Norway’s cooperation with Russia, and will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Barents Euro-Arctic Region in Kirkenes in June 2013.

The EU is Norway’s most important economic partner. The Government will pursue a proactive European policy and will work systematically to safeguard Norwegian interests vis-à-vis the EU. The Government will present a white paper on Norway’s cooperation with the EU.

And finally: The Government will present a white paper on democracy, equitable distribution and economic growth in developing countries.

(NRK/Press release)