The government will require prior approval of foreign property purchases – news Troms and Finnmark

The Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness wants a similar system to Finland, where residents outside the EU and EEA must apply for permission from the Ministry of Defence, writes TV 2. In February, the Police Security Service (PST) warned that Russians buy strategically located properties in their threat assessment. People with ties to Putin’s government have bought properties in northern Norway near military facilities. Among other things, this applies to several cabins in Målselv mountain village with a view to the military air station at Bardufoss in Målselv municipality. In March, the NATO exercise Nordic Response took place in the area. 20,000 soldiers from 13 countries took part – and some of them were accommodated in the Russian-owned cabins in Målselv. Thinks prior approval is wise Until now, there has been no systematic background check when foreign citizens buy property in Norway. Mehl wants a system similar to Finland’s, but adapted to Norway. – We are now working on creating a system with prior approval of purchases and sales, for example for people from outside Europe, says Mehl to the channel. The right-wing defense policy spokesperson tells news that this may be a wise proposal. – For buyers from countries with which we do not have security cooperation, I think we should absolutely ensure the quality of acquisitions and find out who is behind it. That way, we can put our foot down before it’s too late, he says. At the same time, he emphasizes that there is a lot of law involved in such a proposal. Thus, he believes that an arrangement for prior approval should be thoroughly investigated. Hårek Elvenes is defense policy spokesperson in the Conservative Party, here together with the chief of defence. The picture was taken on another occasion. Photo: ISMAIL BURAK AKKAN / news He is also clear that it should not apply to all foreign buyers outside Europe. – A general ban on buying property sounds drastic. We may risk being met with a similar ban abroad when Norwegian interests want to buy. so in that case it must be investigated carefully and thoroughly. On the face of it, I think it sounds somewhat drastic, says the Conservative politician. Published 08.07.2024, at 09.32 Updated 08.07.2024, at 11.29



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