Norwegian public backs smoking ban on beaches and in parks, and other news from Norway on Friday.
Majority of people in Norway support smoking ban on beaches and in parks
A strong majority of Norwegians want smoking banned on public beaches and in parks, according to a new survey conducted by Respons Analyse for the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF).
The findings showed that 62 percent support such a ban, while only 27 percent are opposed.
As the country braces for a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees in many areas, beaches and parks are expected to fill with people seeking sun and fresh air.
“This is about the right to breathe freely in shared public spaces where we spend time with our children, exercise, and relax,” Marte Rendalsvik Øien, head of policy and communication at NAAF, said.
“Safe and healthy surroundings should be a given.”
PM Støre condemns renewed Russian attacks amid Ukraine support conference
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has strongly condemned the latest wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine, calling the escalation “unacceptable” as they coincide with an international conference focused on Ukraine’s recovery and future.
“It is Russia that bears full responsibility for this war,” Støre told the Norwegian news bureau NTB.
“(The fact) that Russia is intensifying its warfare right now, while the world is coming together to contribute to peace, development, and reconstruction, is unacceptable. Our collective response is stronger support for Ukraine and stronger pressure on Russia.”
On Thursday, the Norwegian government announced plans to sign three new agreements aimed at supporting Ukraine’s green transition and long-term reconstruction efforts.
Advertisement
Norway makes exceptions to Russia sanctions for Svalbard
The Norwegian government has announced exceptions to its latest sanctions against the Russian fishing companies Norebo JSC and Murman Seafood, specifically for operations around Svalbard.
“Adjustments are being made for Svalbard,” the government stated in a press release, emphasising that the new measures include exceptions for vessels belonging to these companies while they are in port or within the territorial waters of the archipelago.
The move reflects the unique legal and logistical considerations surrounding Svalbard, which hosts international fishing activity under special regulatory conditions.
Tromso leads Norwegian cities for clean air
Oslo has been ranked as the Nordic capital with the worst air quality in a new survey by the European Environment Agency.
The Norwegian capital fell behind Reykjavík, Helsinki, Tallinn, Copenhagen, and Dublin in the agency’s latest air quality rankings.
Out of 761 European cities assessed, Oslo came in at 64th place – an improvement of two positions since last autumn, but still the lowest-ranked among the Nordic capitals. In contrast, Stockholm topped the list as the European capital with the best air quality overall.
Six Norwegian cities were included in the ranking. Tromsø led the pack with the 10th-best air quality in Europe.
Other cities included Trondheim (18th), Bergen (20th), Kristiansand (30th), and Stavanger (34th), all outperforming Oslo in air quality metrics.