Jonathan Williamson

Articles published on Norway Today by Jonathan Williamson.

Jonathan Williamson

Opinion: The chequered past of Durek Verrett presents a headache for Norway’s Royal family and institution

Norwegian social circles were abuzz with the news that Princess Martha Louise and self-styled shaman, spiritual guide, and healer Derek Verett got engaged earlier this month. However, Verrett's previous views which are, to put it nicely,…

News

Brave whistleblowers uncover disturbing culture in Norway's Armed Forces

Media reports have recently emerged of the mishandling of several whistleblower cases in the Norwegian Armed Forces. From sexual assault to drunken disorderliness, an…

News

Opinion: As our Nordic neighbours prepare to enter NATO, what does this mean for Norway?

Sweden and Finland's recent application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is seen as the biggest geopolitical paradigm shift in the Nordic region for…

Culture

May 17 “Unrestricted”: How did Norway celebrate its first national day post-COVID?

This May 17 was the first Norwegian national day, since 2019, that the country celebrated openly and freely without any pandemic-related restrictions, lockdowns, or…

Finance

Opinion: What did we learn from Norway’s revised government budget? Sound economic governance is a must

The Norwegian government’s proposal for a revised budget shows that despite a booming economy, there are some macroeconomic issues that need to be urgently addressed,…

News

As the United States grapples with abortion law, what is the situation here in Norway?

Opinion: Despite perceived liberal attitudes toward abortion generally, some in this country would like to follow the United States' example and turn the clock back to a…

Travel

These are some of Norway’s best beaches to visit this summer

As the weather around Norway starts to heat up and swimming costumes and sunglasses slowly emerge again, many are dreaming of their summer holidays. Though known…

News

Despite the good news of the Corona Commission’s second report, there is room for improvement

The Corona Commission recently presented its second report on Norway's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

News

Opinion: Latest government resignation just another sordid chapter for Norway’s political class in deep trouble

The resignation of Defense Minister Odd Roger Enoksen over not only a relationship with a young woman in the 2000s but also two incidents against a former colleague is…

Travel

Tøngsberg: Impressive Viking history in Norway’s favorite summer destinations

Tønsberg has been labeled one of Norway's favorite summer towns. From a deep history that stretches back to the Viking Age to a huge pop and rock music festival, this…

News

Is Norway set for a new debate on EU membership?

In an era of strategic uncertainty and existential crises, is it time Norway sought safety and a greater voice in Europe?

News

Opinion: As the Russian invasion of Ukraine drags on, is the Støre government focusing too much on war?

The Støre government has been quick to lend a few kroner and weapons to the Ukrainians but will this come at an expense of investment in Norway?

Culture

REVIEW: Scenes of a (killer) marriage in ‘I onde dager’

'I onde dager' (In Bad Days) is a perfect blend of Tarantino gore, hilarious high jinx, and a modern take on the sometime mediocrity of marriage.

Culture

Why is Påske arguably Norway’s favorite time of the year?

As winter gives way to spring and the snow melts, the season of Easter (Påske) is a favorite time of the year for many Norwegians. Norway has varied and strong…

Travel

Stavanger: Norway’s historic city full of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern culinary delights

Stavanger is so much more than just the nation's oil capital. Awarded the 2008 European Capital of Culture, this once industrial city has blossomed into a cultural and…

News

Opinion: Is Norway really a “big winner” in this energy crisis?

As energy prices have soared worldwide, many European governments are struggling with both rampant inflation and the procurement of energy supplies. Not so for Norway.

News

Opinion: As the “Commuter Housing Scandal” drags on, is trust of people in power eroding in Norway?

The Oslo Police District announced this week that multiple new suspects are being investigated in relation to further breaches of “Commuter Housing” regulations. As this…

Culture

REVIEW: Pørni shows all of Norway that the struggle may be real but can also be hilarious

The hit Norwegian television series, Pørni, is much more than just a simple “dramedy.” It shows the (hilarious) trials and tribulations associated with parenthood,…

News

Opinion: Forget what you read on social media – Norwegians actually have a positive attitude to refugees

Here in Norway, there has been some debate about a perceived double standard of being quick to help those in Ukraine whilst not doing enough for Afghans when the Taliban…

Travel

Hemsedal: Norway’s best slopes on the Scandinavian Alps

Hemsedal has a reputation for one of the best places to ski (and party) in Norway. Yet this delightful mountain village has so much more to offer than just pure white…

News

Opinion: Russian invasion of Ukraine could affect Norway’s pragmatic relationship with its northern neighbor

Norway has often taken a pragmatic and nuanced approach to relations with its northern neighbor but the invasion of Ukraine could, however, signal the end to these…

Travel

Kristiansand: Norway’s favorite resort city and gateway to the South Coast

Kristiansand, on Norway's southern coast, is a resort city that remains one of the country's most popular warm-weather destinations. A beachside backdrop is the perfect…

Culture

Subwoolfer – who really lies behind the masks of Norway’s Eurovision entry?

Norway will be represented at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, in Turin, by two masked

News

Opinion: Norway’s immigration system is flawed. Can it be reformed?

Does the immigration system here in Norway punish children for their parents' mistakes? How best can it be reformed to strike a balance between security and…

Travel

Lillehammer: Norway’s world-famous Olympic town

With Norway dominating the world in Beijing, a visit to Lillehammer, the location for the 1994 Winter Olympics shows that this little town offers so much more than white…

Travel

Ålesund: An Art Nouveau hub nestled amongst islands, fjords, and mountains

Ålesund can trace its root back at least a millennium to the time of the Vikings. Yet this very modern town, stretched over 3 islands, is a mix of world-class…

News

Opinion: Stoltenberg’s confirmation as Governor of Norges Bank – a new scandal?

In what was surely one of the country's worst-kept secrets, Jens Stoltenberg has been officially confirmed as the next Governor of Norges Bank.

Culture

Who moved to Norway in 2021? Here’s what the most recent statistics say

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration has released its annual figures on the number of European Union/European Economic Area citizens that settled in Norway in 2021.

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