Offices and functions

The main tasks of the Political and Economic Section are to follow developments in UK policy, and to promote Norwegian interests in the UK. The Political and Economic Section reports regularly on domestic and foreign political developments in the UK, and follows in particular issues relevant to the bilateral relations between the UK and Norway. Policy issues of importance to Norway include international co-operation particularly in the UN, NATO and WTO, security policy, prevention of conflict, disarmament, petroleum and energy, environment, fisheries, R&D, social affairs, agriculture, labour relations and promotion of democracy, development and human rights.

The section covers Britain's relations to the European Union in general, and, in particular, to the European Single Market and the European Economic Area agreement, which governs trade and other relations between Norway and EU member states. In addition, the section reports on constitutional and regional matters of interest, including devolution and the development in Northern Ireland. The section also provides a link between Norwegian central authorities and international organisations based in the UK. London hosting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and being a financial centre for the maritime industry, means maritime issues are important to this section. The main dialogue partner of the Political and Economic Section is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, but interlocutors also include other relevant ministries and Government agencies, politicians, research institutions etc.

Enquiries to the Political and Economic Section can be made to:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7591 5500 (main switchboard)

E-mail: emb.london@mfa.no

This section promotes a wide range of Norwegian cultural events including concerts, exhibitions, lectures, festivals, and films, in close co-operation with a large number of British and Norwegian partners, e.g. government offices, cultural institutions, venues and organisers. Many of these events are listed in the Culture Calendar on the Culture pages, which the section produces and coordinates, as well as the blog Norwegian Arts.

The section has close contact with British and international media covering Norway and Norwegian affairs from the UK. The section offers advice, information and sometimes financial support to British and international journalists and is regularly in contact with a large number of Norwegian correspondents covering British affairs and Norwegian-British events.

Enquiries to the Section for Culture and Communication can be made to:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7591 5500 (main switchboard)
E-mail: info.london@mfa.no

The Administrative Section has responsibilities relating to budgeting, buildings and personnel.

Enquiries to the Administrative Section can be made to:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7591 5500 (main switchboard)

The Consular Section handles all matters relating to passports, visas and residence permits.

Enquiries to the Consular Section can be made to:
E-mail: konsulat.london@mfa.no

The Defence Attaché covers UK and Irish defence issues of interest to Norway. The Defence Attaché also keeps the UK and Irish Defence authorities updated on Norwegian defence matters and policies. The office assists Norwegian military industry and is the point of contact regarding all visits to UK military establishments.

Enquiries to the Defence Attaché can be made to:
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7591 5540
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7591 5544
E-mail: john.andreas.olsen@mfa.no

The police and customs authorities of the Nordic countries have established positions of police liaisons in London and other capitals to help combat international and organised crime with connections to the Nordic region. These liaisons represent the sending state within their area of responsibility. As part of this co-operation a Norwegian police officer is member of the Embassy's diplomatic staff with the title of police attaché.

Enquiries to the Office of the Police Attaché can be made to:

Email: nlo.london@mfa.no

The Embassy works closely with Innovation Norway, a government-owned company dealing with trade and tourism. Innovation Norway provides services to Norwegian companies approaching British and Irish markets, as well as information to British companies, media, students or individuals interested in doing business with Norway.

Innovation Norway is responsible for promoting both business and leisure travel from the UK to Norway and provides a wide range of marketing support services as well as supporting  nationwide industrial development and global growth.

Enquiries to Innovation Norway can be made to:

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7389 8800

Fax: +44 (0) 20 7973 0189

E-mail: london@innovationnorway.no