The terrorist attacks on government buildings in Oslo and at the youth camp at Utøya have had a deep impact on every Norwegian. They have also had deep impact on many peace-loving friends of Norway, including in Greece and Cyprus. The many condolences and expressions of sympathy conveyed to the Embassy, to our consulates, and also to me personally and to my colleagues, have been greatly appreciated.
The attacks on 22 July were not only attacks on the Norwegian society, but on our democracy, on our values, on our way of life. We have been reminded about what is most important in life. Our response has been a determination to strengthen our democracy, to be more actively involved with fellow citizens in an even more open and tolerant, diverse and inclusive, society of solidarity.
Our response has brought us closer together as a nation.
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From my arrival in 2006, environment and renewable energy have been a key part of the embassy’s public diplomacy, thus reflecting a high Norwegian priority as well as something that I personally feel very committed to. I had hoped to see more Norwegian commercial involvement in a greening of the Greek economy. It has proved difficult, however, and the financial crisis has not helped. Let us hope that as the Greek economy grows stronger – and eventually it will - solar and wind power, as well as energy efficiency, will be important elements, and provide opportunities for more Greek-Norwegian cooperation.
Environment has been a priority area for the EEA (European Economic Area) Grants, whereby Norway (plus Iceland and Lichtenstein) have co-financed with the Greek state a number of projects all over Greece. Also for the coming 3-4 years environmental and renewable energy projects will receive EEA financing, of around 20 million euro (another 20 million will go to migration/asylum projects).
Also in Cyprus the focus of Norwegian efforts and contributions has been on environmental projects, but also on bi-communal projects and on civil society. The single most prominent project is the “Home for Cooperation” in the buffer-zone. I am certain that as an active meeting place for people from both the south and the north, the project will prove very successful.
Last spring, a promising research project was initiated between academic institutions in Norway and the Ionian Islands region. The Zakynthos Science Park involves environmental experts and students from Greece and Norway. This is a good example of how grass-root initiatives can strengthen relations between the two countries. Also, I think the many cultural events that the embassy supports contribute in this respect.
One of the finest memories from my time in Greece is this summer’s Special Olympics World Games in Athens. It was great to see the enthusiasm of the 7.000 athletes, including 45 from Norway, all with some kind of intellectual disabilities. They were all very able in their sports efforts. My congratulations to the participants and to the Greek organizer of this major sports and cultural event!
There have been Greek high-level political visits to Oslo recently. Prime Minister Papandreou visited in May, and Foreign Minister Lambrinidis visited in August. The talks with their Norwegian counterparts show that there is a potential for more bilateral cooperation, and also common approach to some key international issues. One potentially very interesting area of cooperation could be related to Greek offshore oil and gas-exploration.
One somewhat sad observation as I am about to leave Greece is that the Norwegian community in the country is diminishing. The past few years, many of the most active members of the Norwegian community in Athens have returned to Norway. I am confident that in their new environments they keep their love for Greece and help maintain strong links between our two peoples. When I now return to Oslo, I will certainly try to do my part in this respect.
Sverre Stub