Norway's foreign trade surplus rose to $11 billion in just one September
Two parallel worlds are once again colliding in Europe’s ledgers. In one, long negotiations continue over funding survival; in the other, energy meters record unprecedented financial records. While Brussels scrambles to cover critical defence needs, northern gas fields are generating billion-dollar surpluses.
As stated by French President Emmanuel Macron at a press conference following the EU summit in Brussels, allies plan to review Kyiv’s request for €70 billion in defence funding for next year. This astronomical figure was previously announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his address to EU leaders. He said that without these funds, holding the front and restraining Russian aggression will be extremely difficult.
A €70 Billion Deficit
The existence of this massive financial gap has also been officially confirmed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She publicly stated the €70 billion shortfall and called on the continent’s capitals to take responsibility. For comparison, this sum is equivalent to the annual salaries of millions of European teachers or the budget for building thousands of kilometres of modern highways.
While leaders search for free resources, diplomatic mechanisms are moving slowly. European Council President António Costa noted that EU leaders have only instructed the European Commission to prepare proposals on funding Ukraine, and are generally aiming for 2027. It appears the bureaucratic calendar does not always align with operational battlefield updates.
Norwegian Record of $11 Billion
Meanwhile, official statistics have revealed a completely different financial reality in the continent’s northern neighbours. Norway’s foreign trade surplus surged by 170.5% year-on-year in September 2026. The Scandinavian country’s net positive balance reached an impressive $11 billion in just one autumn month.
The main driver of this golden downpour was a spike in blue fuel exports, which jumped by 135.6% at once. Gas processing plants are operating at full capacity, including the industrial giant Ormen Lange in the municipality of Aukra. The arithmetic is telling: the monthly trade surplus of a single oil and gas nation nearly covers one-sixth of Ukraine’s annual defence budget.
Technology vs. Raw Material Compromises
Parallel to the financial puzzles, allies are working to close technical gaps. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the increased European assistance in early warning and satellite systems. This step is designed to reduce the Ukrainian army’s reliance on American technologies.
At the same time, the French leader openly criticised foreign compromises, calling US President Donald Trump’s deals with Russia over diesel fuel harmful to partner unity. The contrast is strange: some count fuel profits and strike oil deals, while others try to collectively raise funds for the basic security of the entire continent.
Illustrative photo: Norsk olje og gass / CC BY-SA 2.0
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