According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.
Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.
On behalf of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Norwegian Maritime Authority has enacted requirements for zero-emission from tourist ships and ferries in the World Heritage fjords.
‘This is an important breakthrough for our World Heritage fjords. The zero-emission requirement will contribute to technological development and lower emissions, while also ensuring that the spectacular World Heritage fjords remain attractive tourist destinations’, said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
Donald Trump gjennomfører nå en dramatisk omlegging av amerikansk handelspolitikk. Han kaller det en «gjensidig» tollpolitikk. Mens norske politikere er vant til å forsvare skyhøy toll på matvarer, står de nå overfor en ny utfordring. Nå peker USA også på norske legemiddelpriser som en alvorlig handelsbarriere – produkter som Norge i stor grad importerer fra amerikanske selskaper.
Prinsippet er enkelt, nesten brutalt: Det andre land gjør mot USA, skal USA gjøre tilbake. Likevel er ikke Trumps nye tollsatser basert på faktiske satser andre land har satt mot amerikanske varer, men snarere på summen av det Trump-administrasjonen mener er handelsbarrierer som hindrer amerikansk eksport. Dette er en radikal og dramatisk dreining av handelspolitikken.
Statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre møter USAs president Donald Trump i Det hvite hus torsdag 24. april. Finansminister Jens Stoltenberg deltar også i møtet.
– Jeg ser frem til å møte president Donald Trump i Washington D.C. på torsdag. Det er sterke bånd mellom USA og Norge. USA er vår viktigste allierte, og i en urolig og krevende sikkerhetspolitisk tid, er den nære kontakten mellom våre to land svært viktig, sier statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Møtet vil blant annet handle om den sikkerhetspolitiske situasjonen, Nato og krigen i Ukraina, samt handel og næringsliv.
– Norge og USA samarbeider på en rekke områder, og USA er en viktig handelspartner for Norge. Jeg ser frem til å snakke om områder der vi kan samarbeide enda tettere fremover, sier Støre.
Despite uncertainty about US markets, one thing is for sure: Norwegian companies still believe in both short-term and long-term opportunities in US offshore wind.
Norwegian offshore wind suppliers, including Autronica, DOF and Uptime International, are forging ahead with plans to expand their activities in the US.
New offshore wind technology to be introduced
DOF plans to launch new offshore wind technology in the US by Q4 2025. The company has made a strategic decision and financial commitment to build a new cable lay quadrant handling system for the installation and repair of inter-array cables. DOF has designed the system to fit on several of its vessels for North Sea and US East Coast projects.
With its F-35s in hand, Norway is now well equipped to defend its skies aerially.
Earlier this month, Norway became the first Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) partner nation to fulfill its F-35 program of record. Upon completing the delivery of the fifty-first and fifty-second F-35As to the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Norway is now well equipped to defend its skies aerially. Norwegian minister of finance Tore O. Sanvik noted that “The aircraft ensure that we can safeguard Norwegian sovereignty and maintain even better control over our areas on land, at sea and in the air.” Other Norwegian officials mirrored this rhetoric, adding that the sophistication of the fifth-generation fighter will undoubtedly play a critical role in supporting NATO missions.
I klimameldingen staker regjeringen ut kursen for hvordan Norge skal bli et lavutslippssamfunn. Arbeiderparti-regjeringen vil kutte utslipp, skape jobber og trygge norsk konkurransekraft.
– Verden står i en usikker tid. Arbeiderparti-regjeringen skal skape trygghet for morgendagen og tro på framtida. Klimaendringene er i seg selv en sikkerhetsutfordring som utfordrer tryggheten vår. Klima og natur skal være rammen og fundamentet for alt vi gjør, og i klimameldingen legger vi fram de store linjene for klimapolitikken fremover, sier klima- og miljøminister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
A new report finds that deliveries within exploration, development projects and operation of Equinor-operated fields and onshore facilities in Norway continued to grow in 2024.
Equinor procured goods and services with a total value of NOK 142.6 billion, an increase from 134 billion in 2023. 93 per cent of this came from Norwegian suppliers located in 260 different municipalities. This resulted in an employment effect of more than 85 thousand full-time equivalents.
Managing Director Jason Turflinger extended a warm welcome to attendees at AmCham’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, graciously hosted by Thommessen. He presented the organization’s non-profit results, future initiatives, and strategic priorities. AmCham Chair Ketil Nordengen (3M) emphasized the critical role of pragmatic collaboration and trusted cross-industry partnerships. With nearly 400 US companies operating in Norway and deep commercial ties in both directions, Nordengen stressed the need for strategic resilience, informed decision-making, and shared learning. He reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to its core priorities: public-private trust, business innovation, stable frameworks, and professional development – principles that continue to guide members through change.
Nominees for AmCham’s Board of Directors were announced, with Andreea Mocofan (MSD) and Christian Aho (Citi) confirmed and warmly welcomed. The renewed Board of Directors boasts extensive, international cross-industry expertise, well capable of boosting key pro-business initiatives.
Outgoing board member Michael Klem was warmly recognized for his 20 years of outstanding service and steadfast dedication to AmCham Norway’s transatlantic mission. His remarkable contributions and deep commitment have left a lasting impact on the organization. Notably, his two-decade board tenure marks the longest in AmCham’s 67-year history.
Following the AGM, the annual Transatlantic Assembly commenced, focusing on industrial policy, sustainability, and evolving global trade dynamics. Host and Thommessen’s Managing Partner Sverre Tyrhaug provided opening remarks, followed by keynotes from Bridget Fawcett, Global Head of Sustainability & Corporate Transitions Investment Banking at Citi, and Heidi Nordby Lunde, Member of Parliament (H).
Fawcett highlighted the Nordics’ longstanding leadership within sustainability, noting that progress, albeit not always linear, is tangible and gaining momentum. She underscored the importance of Nordic-US collaboration in the energy transition, particularly given shared goals around net-zero targets and renewable investments. Nordby Lunde emphasized the need for political and regulatory predictability amid shifts in global trade. She raised concerns about rising protectionism, calling for fair competition, trust-based partnerships, and greater acknowledgment of shifting perceptions between Europe and the US.
Robert S. Needham, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the US Embassy in Oslo, provided brief remarks to the audience, emphasizing that Norway remains an important partner, with strong bilateral cooperation grounded in mutual interests.
“We value the productive working relationship with AmCham. We also welcome AmCham’s perspective on opportunities to grow our bilateral trade and investment collaboration and identify gaps where our industries may have mutual interests. Norway remains an important partner, and we’re keen to build on our existing success, including in key sectors such as energy, defense, tech, and critical minerals. We have a close dialogue on many levels with the Government of Norway and the private sector, and the US-Norway bilateral commercial dialogue is one such opportunity for our governments to engage and to consult with industry.”
The subsequent panel discussion addressed the strategic importance of deepening transatlantic cooperation across sustainability, defense, and industrial transformation. Fawcett and Nordby Lunde were joined by Hedvig Moe, Partner & National Security Advisory Lead at Thommessen, Frank Øverli, Vice President Corporate Development at Hydro, and Kåre Aas, former Norwegian Ambassador to the US/Special Advisor at Kruse Larsen.
Panelists highlighted the urgency of securing critical minerals, strengthening supply chains, and fostering energy innovation. Norway’s role as a stable and trusted partner was acknowledged as an advantage to navigating geopolitical uncertainty.
The panel agreed that rebuilding and maintaining trust, ensuring open communication, and balancing national security with fair market access are essential for long-term cooperation. There was broad recognition that cross-industry trade and development strategies should align with shared democratic values to support competitiveness, resilience, and the green transition.
Photos: Milimo Media
3M – Global Commercial Contracting Leader & Managing Director Norway
Cisco – Managing Director Norway, Denmark & Iceland
KPMG – Partner
US Embassy – Commercial Section Director
Citi Norway – Country Officer & Head of Banking
Bristol Myers Squibb Norway – General Manager
Tailormade Consulting – Managing Director
Microsoft – Nordics Government Affairs Director
Thommessen – Partner
BI Norwegian Business School – Manager Societal Impact & External Research Relations
Baker Hughes – Global Executive Account Director, Managing Director Norway
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Norway – Head of Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability
MSD Norway – Managing Director
DNV – Aquaculture Director
The first gathering of the Tech Talent Network in 2025 took place at the Storting (Norwegian Parliament), hosted by Member of Parliament Mahmoud Farahmand (H). Participants were warmly welcomed into the heart of Norwegian democracy and heard from two keynote speakers: Farahmand, who provided a deep dive into Norway’s political system, and Pål Arne Davidsen from Rud Pedersen Public Affairs, who offered insight into how EU policies are shaping Norway’s tech landscape.
As a Member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, Farahmand introduced participants to the structure and inner workings of Norway’s political system, from policy development to legislative approval. He shared reflections on how political decisions are made and underscored the value of informed dialogue between policymakers and professionals; especially in rapidly evolving fields like technology.
Farahmand also led a discussion on the role of technology in tackling major societal shifts, such as declining birth rates and an aging population. He emphasized the need to strengthen digital competence and education across sectors to ensure Norway remains equipped to adapt and lead in an increasingly tech-driven world.
TTN is a non-competitive arena for knowledge sharing, professional development, and expanding international market insights, currently open to select Patron-level technology industry member representatives. Exclusive quarterly sessions with industry leaders and external speakers create opportunities for collaboration and leadership development.
For further information and interest in the program, please contact Ragnhild.Dalen@amcham.no.