History

Export Control

The question of whom we should export weapons to has always been a subject of debate. Arms exports are an integrated part of the national security interests of any country and are thus subject to the sovereignty of the exporting country. The development of the global security landscape also influences countries’ weapon export policies. This is evident in the development of Norway’s policy in this area, which is based on the decisions and premises of the Parliament (Storting), as well as the development of international and regional cooperation that Norway participates in.

In 1933, Paraguay declared war on Bolivia. The following year, Norway joined the League of Nations’ arms embargo against the two countries. At the same time, the Norwegian authorities chose to approve the sale of artillery shells to Bolivia. This was partly justified by contractual obligations.  The export to Bolivia created significant debate, and in the wake of this criticism, the Storting passed a resolution in 1935 stating:

“1. The export of weapons and ammunition shall only be allowed to countries not involved in civil war or war, unless this is declared a legitimate defense war by the competent bodies of the League of Nations.

2. The export of weapons and ammunition must solely occur to legitimate governments.”

In 1958, the government approved the export of ammunition and hand grenades to Cuba. But before the goods reached the country, Cuba’s former president Batista had been overthrown by Fidel Castro. The export received great attention in Norway, leading to a debate about whether the export was in line with the Storting’s resolution of 1935.

On March 11, 1959, the Storting declared the following:

“The Storting strongly emphasizes the principle that the export of weapons and ammunition from Norway should only occur after a careful assessment of the external and internal political conditions in the relevant area. In the opinion of the Storting, this assessment must be decisive for whether the export should take place.”

Sanctions

Sanctions are a non-military security and foreign policy tool that involves the introduction of economic and diplomatic restrictions limiting the freedom of action of a state, a group, and/or individuals, businesses, or other entities.

Traditionally, sanctions have been designed as broad trade blockades against a country, accompanied by diplomatic isolation and arms embargoes. Today, sanctions are more frequently targeted at individuals or entities, such as the ruling elite in a country or other actors directly involved in the actions being responded to.

The UN Security Council can adopt sanctions against states, individuals, or entities with legally binding effect under international law. In addition, the Council of the European Union adopts restrictive measures against states, individuals, or entities. Norway is legally obligated under international law to implement the Security Council’s binding decisions, and after consideration, Norway may support EU measures. Several sanctions regimes include provisions on arms embargoes.

On April 8, 2021, the  Storting passed the law on the implementation of international sanctions. The government’s authority to implement sanctions and restrictive measures was consolidated into the new law, regardless of whether the sanctions are from the UN or restrictive measures from the EU.