Norwegian krone hits two-year high against dollar, broad political majority approves daily arming of Norwegian police and other news from Norway on Friday.
US dollar falls below 10 kroner for first time since 2023
The US dollar dipped below 10 Norwegian kroner on Thursday, marking the krone’s strongest position against the dollar since July 2023.
According to data from Infront, the exchange rate first dropped below the threshold at 11.24 am and remained there into the afternoon.
The dollar’s decline comes amid broader weakness against several global currencies this year.
Contributing factors include growing investor concern over the United States’ mounting national debt and lingering uncertainty from President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
READ MORE: What the weakening of the dollar against the krone means for Norway
Norwegian parliament approves permanent arming of police
The Norwegian parliament (Storting) has approved a proposal allowing police officers to carry weapons on a permanent basis.
The decision marks a departure from Norway’s long-standing tradition of an unarmed police force.
A broad majority supported the measure, including the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, the Centre Party, and the Christian Democratic Party, all parties that had previously opposed general arming.
The Labour-led government first introduced the proposal in May, aiming to amend current laws ahead of a permanent legal framework.
The approved measure grants the Police Directorate the authority to decide on the daily arming of officers, including setting detailed guidelines for its implementation.
The Norwegian Ministry of Justice will now draft a more comprehensive legal proposal, with permanent rules expected to be introduced sometime next year.
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Bergen Line reopens after emergency bridge repairs
The Bergen Line is back in operation following a closure that began Wednesday night due to a compromised bridge foundation.
Trains are once again running between Evanger and Dale, Bane NOR announced.
However, travellers are advised to expect delays and potential cancellations as regular service gradually resumes.
The disruption was caused by a bridge foundation that had slipped near the Kvednhuselva River, approximately 200 meters east of Bolstad station.
The affected stretch, located west of Voss, was shut down after the issue was discovered on Tuesday evening.
Bridge experts assessed the damage on Wednesday and initially deemed the section unsafe for rail traffic.
Emergency inspections and repairs have now made it possible to reopen the line, though full stability measures are still underway.
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Oslo Airport named world’s most punctual in May
Oslo Airport Gardermoen has been ranked the most punctual major international airport in the world for May, according to a new report from data firm Ciricum.
91.22 percent of departures from Oslo were on time, placing it at the top of Ciricum’s monthly global punctuality rankings.
“This is a great recognition that we’re achieving such high standards on a global level,” airport director Thorgeir Landevaag said in a press release from Avinor, which operates the airport.
The same report also highlighted Scandinavian carriers, with SAS named the most punctual airline in Europe, and Norwegian Airlines securing fourth place.