Bjørn Arild Gram

He studied at Nord-Trøndelag University College from 1991 to 1997 and took the siv.øk. degree at Bodø University College in 2000. He was employed in Telenor Mobil from 2000 to 2005.{{Cite web |title=Gram, Bjørn Arild |url=https://www.steinkjerleksikonet.no/gram_bjorn_arild |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.steinkjerleksikonet.no}}

He also attended the recruit school in Steinkjer Municipality, and later became troop leader and was stationed along the Russian border. He was also a sergeant in the Norwegian Home Guard.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2022/04/13/195839448/forsvarsministeren-var-grensejeger | title= Forsvarsministeren var grensejeger | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 13 April 2022 | access-date = 13 April 2022 | language = Norwegian}}

From 1996 to 1998 he chaired the Centre Youth, the youth wing of the Centre Party. On the local level Gram served as the mayor of Steinkjer Municipality from 2007 to 2020, having formerly been a member of the county council from 1991 to 2000. He was a member of Nord-Trøndelag county council from 1995 to 2019, and has chaired the county party chapter.

In 2016, during his time as mayor, Gram was among ten participants at a cabin in Sweden when a text message saying "We want your pussy" was sent to former party leader Liv Signe Navarsete. Like the nine other participants, he denied having sent the message.{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/kaGL0B/sexmeldingen-i-sp-alle-10-nekter-for-aa-ha-sendt-den | title = Sexmeldingen i Sp: Alle 10 nekter for å ha sendt den | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 18 April 2018 | access-date= 15 December 2022 | language = no}}

In February 2020, he was appointed the new chair of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities, and stepped down as mayor the next month.{{cite web | url= https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/b5B9Xe/bjoern-arild-gram-sp-blir-ny-ks-leder | title= Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) blir ny KS-leder | publisher= Aftenposten | date= 8 February 2020 | access-date= 13 October 2021 | language= Norwegian}}

He was elected first deputy leader of the Centre Party at the 2025 convention, succeeding Ola Borten Moe.{{cite web | url = https://www.altinget.no/forsvar/nytt-om-navn/gram-og-toppe-inn-i-sps-ledelse | title = Gram og Toppe inn i Sps ledelse | publisher = Altinget | date = 30 March 2025 | access-date = 30 March 2025 | first = Solveig | last = Ruud | language = nb }}

He served as a deputy representative to the Storting from Nord-Trøndelag from 1993–1997, 2001–2009 and 2013–2021. From 2005 to 2007 Gram was a member of Stoltenberg's Second Cabinet as State Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. In 2013, as Marit Arnstad from Nord-Trøndelag was a member of the outgoing Stoltenberg's Second Cabinet, Gram met as a regular representative during the two weeks before the cabinet change.{{Stortingetbio|BJAG}}

Gram was appointed minister of local government in Jonas Gahr Støre's cabinet on 14 October 2021.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/norge-har-fatt-ny-regjering-1.15689598 | title= Norge har fått ny regjering | publisher = NRK | date= 14 October 2021 | access-date = 14 October 2021 | language= no}}

Gram told NRK that he would facilitate so that local democracy can take a position on the future of its county. He further said it would take a decision from the Storting to reverse county mergers. He didn't give an estimate to what reversal of the mergers would cost, but emphasised that the government would have dialog with the counties in question about what would be necessary to go through with the process of reversal.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/vestfoldogtelemark/spar-unodvendig-kjedereaksjon-om-fylkesgrensene-1.15698252 | title= Spår unødvendig kjedereaksjon om fylkesgrenser | publisher = NRK | date= 21 October 2021 | access-date = 21 October 2021 | language = Norwegian}}

Following questions from members of the Storting regarding Telenor continuing construction of the 5G network with Huawei equipment in Bergen, Gram answered with a written statement that seemed similar to former Minister of Districts and Digitalisation Linda Hofstad Helleland's response about the same case a few weeks earlier. Gram later revealed that the similar answers are due to the fact that the authorities' policy is fixed, even after the change of government.{{cite web | url= https://www.nettavisen.no/norsk-politikk/kommunaldepartementet/linda-hofstad-helleland/ny-statsrad-kopierte-forgjengerens-svadasvar/s/5-95-323872 | title= Ny statsråd kopierte forgjengerens svadasvar | publisher = Nettavisen | date= 23 October 2021 | access-date= 23 October 2021 | language = Norwegian}}

On 29 October, Gram issued a letter where he and the government approved the dissolution of Troms og Finnmark county.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/troms-og-finnmark-splittes_-slik-svarer-vedum-om-alta-1.15709526 | title= Troms og Finnmark splittes: Slik svarer Vedum om Alta | publisher = NRK | date= 29 October 2021 | access-date = 29 October 2021 | language = Norwegian}}

After the government approved for municipalities who were merged by force, to dissolve themselves, Gram expressed that he had faith in local democracy and confidence in the municipalities to listen to there inhabitants in an appropriate way. He further stated that he didn't want to speculate in local outcomes against forced mergers.{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/vedum-smell-sier-nei/74512983 | title = Vedum-smell: Sier nei | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 3 November 2021 | access-date= 3 November 2021 | language = Norwegian}}

On 13 December, in a Storting question time, Liberal Party representative André N. Skjelstad asked Gram about which tasks would be transferred from the county governor to the county municipality. Gram didn't answer the question directly, but stated that the government would get back to the Storting with a proposal of which tasks should be transferred. He also emphasized that for many years there had been a sneak centralisation of government jobs and this must be taken into account.{{cite web | url= https://www.radionordkapp.no/nyheter/18227/skal-overfore-oppgaver-til-fylkeskommunen/ | title = Skal overføre oppgaver til fylkeskommunen | publisher = Radio Nordkapp | date= 13 December 2021 | access-date= 14 December 2021 | language = Norwegian}}

In a press release on 19 December, Gram announced that the housing benefits would rise through January to March 2022. He also stressed that people should apply to get the benefits by 31 December, and those who already had it didn't have to apply again for the given period.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2021/12/19/195811022/50-000-flere-kan-fa-bostotte-pa-grunn-av-stromprisene | title= 50.000 flere kan få bostøtte på grunn av strømprisene | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 19 December 2021 | access-date= 20 December 2021 | language = no}}

In early January 2022, the government announced that small houses will still be built with chimneys, in effect meaning that they would not go in to remove the requirement for single-family homes to have a chimney in accordance with building regulations. Gram stressed the importance of chimneys, stating: "It is important that people can keep warm if there is a natural disaster or other major event. By keeping the requirement for a chimney, we make it easier for more people to burn firewood".{{cite web | url= https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/smahus-skal-fortsatt-bygges-med-pipe/id2894670/ | title= Småhus skal fortsatt bygges med pipe | publisher = government.no | date= 6 January 2022 | access-date = 6 January 2022 | language = Norwegian}}

Gram stated that he could not promise municipalities who wants to change counties after mergers where reversed the right to do so. He stressed the factors of changes to the county those municipalities would leave and the ones they would be entering, in addition to constituency changes for the Storting. He added that the decision would be left to the Storting.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2022/02/13/195824835/kommunalministeren-vil-ikke-love-kommuner-retten-til-a-bytte-fylke | title = Kommunalministeren vil ikke love kommuner retten til å bytte fylke | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 13 February 2022 | access-date= 14 February 2022 | language = Norwegian}}

In March, Gram sent a proposal for an amendment to the Inheritance Act to the Storting that would ensure that family members of the recently deceased would be able to file paperwork digitally and make said process shorter and "less bureaucratic". In his statement, he said: "Today, the process after death is complicated and paper-based. We are now working on a digital death estate solution that will solve some of the bureaucratic tangles. But for it to be legal to share data digitally via a digital death estate solution, the Inheritance Act must be changed".{{cite web | url=

https://www.tv2.no/a/14921089/ | title = Ett skritt nærmere digitalt dødsbo | publisher = TV 2 | date= 6 July 2022 | access-date= 6 July 2022 | language = no}}

In April, Gram announced that notable changes to the electoral law would be made, that previously were exclusively made for the 2021 election during the COVID-19 pandemic; could be permanently implemented. Further changes included for early votes to be counted as soon as the first Sunday before Election Day, and for local electrical commissions to establish other voting locations within their respective constituencies. The Ministry plans to follow up on these changes recommended by a commission set down, to propose an amendment to the electoral law to be put forward in early 2023.{{cite web | url= https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/vil-gjore-det-mer-fleksibelt-for-kommunene-a-gjennomfore-valget/id2908139/ | title= Vil gjøre det mer fleksibelt for kommunene å gjennomføre valget | publisher = government.no | date = 8 April 2022 | access-date = 8 April 2022 | language = Norwegian}}

File:SECDEF Austin Norway Bilateral Engagement (52372559543).jpg on 20 September 2022]]

After Odd Roger Enoksen resigned in the wake of revelations of multiple inappropriate sexual relations with younger women, Gram was appointed his successor on 12 April 2022. During the minor reshuffle, Sigbjørn Gjelsvik was appointed his successor as minister of local government.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/bjorn-arild-gram-blir-ny-forsvarsminister-1.15930484 | title = NRK erfarer: Bjørn Arild Gram blir ny forsvarsminister | publisher = NRK | date= 12 April 2022 | access-date= 12 April 2022 | language = no}}

On 20 April, Gram announced that Norway would be donating air defence system missiles to Ukraine, while the missiles were being phased out in the Norwegian Army. He stated: "The missile will be phased out by the Norwegian Armed Forces, but it is still a modern and effective weapon that will be of great benefit to Ukraine. Other countries have also donated similar weapon systems".{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2022/04/20/195840650/norge-har-donert-luftvernsystem-til-ukraina | title = Norge har donert luftvernsystem til Ukraina | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 20 April 2022 |access-date= 20 April 2022 | language = Norwegian}}

Gram visited Pasvik in Sør-Varanger Municipality with his Nordic counterparts on 11 May to discuss their countries' continued cooperation. At their press meet, Gram started by saying: "We are at a crossroads in Nordic history. We know that Sweden and Finland are in the final stages of applying for NATO membership. We are looking at the importance of developing the Nordic defence work in the future".{{cite web | url= https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/forsvarsministeren-i-toppmote-vi-star-ved-et-veiskille-i-nordisk-historie/s/12-95-3424274055 | title = Forsvarsministeren i toppmøte: - Vi står ved et veiskille i nordisk historie | publisher = Nettavisen | date= 11 May 2022 | access-date= 12 May 2022 | language = Norwegian}}

On 23 May, Dagbladet revealed that Gram had received double salary when he concurrently was mayor of Steinkjer and a deputy member of Parliament in 2018 and 2019. Gram clarified that he had repaid Steinkjer municipality, in order to remove any doubt about his integrity.{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/gram-fikk-to-lonninger/76164050 | title = Gram fikk to lønninger | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 23 May 2022 | access-date= 24 May 2022 | language = no}}

On 8 June, Gram announced that Norway would be donating 22 artillery weapons of the type M109 howitzer to Ukraine, stating: "The Ukrainian forces depend on Western support in the form of military equipment and weapons to withstand the Russian attacks. Ukraine has requested this type of arms support. The development of the war in Ukraine indicates that it is now necessary to donate heavier materiel and weapons systems as well".{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2022/06/08/195850612/forsvarsdepartementet-bekrefter-at-norge-har-donert-artilleri-til-ukraina | title = Forsvarsdepartementet bekrefter at Norge har donert artilleri til Ukraina | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 8 June 2022 | access-date= 8 June 2022 | language = no}}

At a defence minister summit in Brussels on 16 June, Gram said he wouldn't rule out that Ukrainian soldiers could be trained in Norway, despite having previously ruled it out.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2022/06/16/195852326/gram-apner-for-opplaering-av-ukrainske-soldater-i-norge | title = Gram åpner for opplæring av ukrainske soldater i Norge | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 16 June 2022 | access-date= 16 June 2022 | language = no}}

After Sweden and Finland signed an agreement with Turkey, thereby clearing their way to join NATO, Russia made threats against the former. Gram asserted that there would be no heighten risks with the two's accession into NATO. He noted that the countries would bring new defence capabilities and that the Nordics weren't a threat against anyone and blamed Vladimir Putin's actions as the cause for their accession.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/urix/putin-truer-finland-og-sverige-1.16022145 | title = Putin til Nato: Vi hadde et godt forhold | publisher = NRK Urix | date = 30 June 2022 | access-date= 30 June 2022 | language = no}}

On 7 July, the government announced that they would be establishing a new action plan for military veterans. The plan is cross-sectoral and will focus on follow-up, care and recognition of veterans and their families, before, during and after service in international operations. Gram emphasised the importance of following up veterans and their families, and how some soldiers have experience negative consequences due to their service. He stated: "We know that recognition is important to limit the negative consequences, and it is a great responsibility that we as a society have to show those who have taken risks on our behalf that we appreciate the efforts. The government will also study measures that will make it easier for society to utilize the veterans' unique competence and experience". He also praised municipalities who have initiated veteran plans and the Norwegian Army's efforts to assist them. He also said that he looked forward to working with veteran interest organisations.{{cite web | url= https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/ny-tiltaksplan-for-veteraner/id2922431/ | title = Regjeringen skal lage ny tiltaksplan for veteraner | publisher = government.no | date= 7 July 2022 | access-date= 10 July 2022 | language = no}}

On 29 July, Gram announced that Norway would be donating 14 Iveco LMV armored patrol vehicles. The vehicles would be donated in addition to artillery weapons, portable air defence and armor servers. He stated: "Norway continues to contribute to the Ukrainians' fight for freedom. The government is constantly assessing how Norway can provide further support to Ukraine in the country's defence against Russia's invasion".{{cite web | url= https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/norge-donerer-pansrede-patruljekjoretoy-til-ukraina/id2923198/ | title = Norge donerer pansrede patruljekjøretøy til Ukraina | publisher = government.no | date= 29 July 2022 | access-date= 29 July 2022 | language = no}}

At a meeting with his Swedish and Danish counterparts in Malmö on 9 August, Gram stated that the Nordic countries would work more together with notably Nordic Response, and expressed that the Nordics should be able to handle threats from Russia. He also expressed concern regarding their rapid change of rhetoric.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2022/08/09/195863447/forsvarsminister-gram-utviklingen-i-ostersjoen-blir-mer-viktig-for-norge | title = Forsvarsminister Gram: Utviklingen i Østersjøen blir mer viktig for Norge | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 9 August 2022 | access-date= 9 August 2022 | language = no}}

At a donor conference for Ukraine held in Copenhagen on 11 August, Gram pledged that Norway would be sending instructors to the United Kingdom to assist training Ukrainian soldiers.{{cite web | url= https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/norge-vil-bidra-til-opplaring-av-ukrainske-soldater/id2924050/ | title = Norge vil bidra til opplæring av ukrainske soldater | publisher = government.no | date= 11 August 2022 | access-date= 13 August 2022 | language = no}} Two days afterwards, the Russian embassy in Norway stated that they took it as "another unfriendly step" against them, saying: "We consider this decision to be another unfriendly step by the Norwegian authorities, on par with the country's latest actions directed at Russia - a neighboring country that has never threatened Norway, its territorial integrity or people".{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/russland-ut-mot-norge/76880736 | title = Russland ut mot Norge | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 13 August 2022 | access-date= 13 August 2022 | language = no}}

On 8 September, while visiting the U. S Ramstein Air Base in Germany for a summit with 50 of his international counterparts, Gram announced that Norway would be donating Hellfire missiles to Ukraine. When asked about Ukrainian soldiers being trained in Norway, Gram refused to comment, citing security considerations.{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/i/69jknr/forsvarsministeren-norge-gir-nye-vaapen-til-ukraina | title = Forsvarsministeren: Norge gir nye våpen til Ukraina | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 8 September 2022 | access-date = 8 September 2022 | language = no}}

On 15 September, the Red Party expressed concerns about revelations that the government had been open to the possibility of the Norwegian Intelligence Service imposing telecommunications and network companies to give them copies of data communications that reach outside the Norwegian border. To NRK, Gram said that Norway isn't capable enough to defend itself against espionage, sabotage, terrorism planning and cyber operations. He also asserted that it was important for defence purposes for a system like the one revealed, to be in place.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/rodt-krever-svar-om-omstridt-overvakningssystem-1.16103748 | title = Rødt krever svar om omstridt overvåkningssystem | publisher= NRK | date= 15 September 2022 | access-date= 16 September 2022 | language = no}}

A day after the Auditor General of Norway Karl Eirik Schjøtt-Pedersen presented a report into the Norwegian Army's information system, Gram released a statement in response, stating: "The findings of the National Audit Office are very serious. We share the National Audit Office's understanding of reality, and what the National Audit Office has pointed out matches our own findings. It is nevertheless the case that the Armed Forces and the defence sector resolve the day-to-day tasks. The National Audit Office also points this out".{{cite web | url= https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/forsvarsministeren-alvorlige-funn-fra-riksrevisjonen/id2931087/ | title = Forsvarsministeren: - Alvorlige funn fra Riksrevisjonen | publisher= government.no | date= 4 October 2022 | access-date= 4 October 2022 | language = no}}

At a press conference on 20 October, alongside prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre and justice minister Emilie Enger Mehl; Gram assured that the Norwegian Army had put in measures as soon as in December 2021 to strengthen itself. He further informed that the Norwegian Intelligence Service had received more supplies, and that the skies and territorial waters were being heavily patrolled. He also sympathised with concerns about the situation in Europe, and added that "we won't be scared".{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/gEEjEA/stoere-russland-tar-flere-sjanser-i-sitt-etterretningsarbeid | title = Støre: − Russland tar flere sjanser i sitt etterretningsarbeid | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 20 October 2022 | access-date= 20 October 2022 | language = no}}

On 2 November, Gram expressed that Swedish and Finnish NATO membership would change Norway's role in the organisation, which would include new investment necessities. He was also open to Norway and Iceland joining the Joint Force Command Norfolk and the necessity of expanding its headquarters.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/verden/2022/11/02/195881859/nato-utvidelse-kan-kreve-nye-investeringer-i-norge | title = Nato-utvidelse kan kreve nye investeringer i Norge | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 2 November 2022 | access-date= 2 November 2022 | language = no}}

On 10 November, Gram expressed that the command structure of the Norwegian Army should be changed, while also admitting that the army was struggling with management. This sentiment was shared by Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen. Gram notably suggested a change where the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency should work directly for the army rather than for the Ministry of Defence.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2022/11/10/195883560/forsvarsministeren-mener-forsvaret-sliter-med-styringen | title = Forsvarsministeren mener Forsvaret sliter med styringen | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 10 November 2022 | access-date= 10 November 2022 | language = no}} The same day, he announced that Norway would be donating 1,5 NOK to the British-led International Fund for Ukraine, which will help Ukraine buy more weapons and equipment. According to Gram, this would make Norway the second largest donor for the fund besides the United Kingdom.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2022/11/10/195883689/norge-donerer-1-5-milliarder-kroner-til-ukraina | title = Norge donerer 1,5 milliarder kroner til Ukraina | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 10 November 2022 | access-date= 10 November 2022 | language = no}}

On 4 January 2023, Gram announced that Norway would be donating 10 000 modern long-range artillery shells from the country's own arsenal, to Ukraine.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/norge-dobler-donasjonene-av-egne-vapen-til-ukraina-1.16243468 | title = Norge dobler donasjonene av egne våpen til Ukraina | publisher = NRK | date= 4 January 2023 | access-date= 4 January 2023 | language = no}}

In late January, Gram announced that Norway would be donating Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The number of tanks were announced at a later time, with it being a total of eight.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/norge-vil-sende-stridsvogner-til-ukraina-1.16271350 | title = Norge vil sende stridsvogner til Ukraina | publisher = NRK | date= 25 January 2023 | access-date= 28 January 2023 | language = no}} It was also concurrently announced that Norwegian soldiers would train Ukrainian soldiers in how to operate the tanks, in addition to two Ukrainian squads receiving four tanks each.{{cite web | url= https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/norge-skal-laere-opp-ukrainske-soldater-til-a-bruke-leopard-stridsvognene/15460619/ | title = Norge skal lære opp ukrainske soldater til å bruke Leopard-stridsvognene | publisher = TV 2 | date= 27 January 2023 | access-date = 28 January 2023 | language = no}}

In February, Gram confirmed that NATO had expressed dissatisfaction with the slow build up of BNP that Norway had been spending on the Norwegian Army, which is currently at 1,43 percent out of 2 by NATO standard. Gram also confirmed that Norway doesn't expect to reach the target until 2026.{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/nato-kjefter-pa-norge/78476926 | title = Nato kjefter på Norge | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 12 February 2023 | access-date= 13 February 2023 | language = no}}

Following NRK revelations of sexual harassment against women in Army conscript training, Gram called a meeting with army officials, including the Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen, representatives of conscripts and the army's women network. The meeting led to the army laying out new measures to ensure that notifications of sexual harassment and similar, will be reported to central level of the army. The measures will came into force on 1 August. Gram called for collective responsibility to ensure a better environment for conscripts.{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/meldte-om-voldtekt-i-forsvaret_-_-som-om-noen-av-gutta-var-pa-jakt-1.16299852 | title = Meldte om voldtekt i Forsvaret: – Som om noen av gutta var på jakt | publisher = NRK | date = 19 February 2023 | access-date= 21 February 2023 | language = no}}{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/gram_-varslerne-har-krav-pa-a-bli-tatt-pa-alvor-1.16306079 | title = – Trenger voksent befal med utdanning | publisher = NRK | date= 21 February 2023 | access-date= 21 February 2023 | language = no}}

In March, Gram and Norwegian Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen visited Kyiv. Gram also announced that Norway, in cooperation with the United States, would donate NASAMS ground based air defence systems to Ukraine. Gram also met with his Ukrainian counterpart and the deputy defence minister.{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/i/kEKQzB/den-norske-forsvarsministeren-og-forsvarssjefen-er-i-kyiv | title = Forsvarsministeren og forsvarssjefen er i Kyiv – lovet mer luftvern | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 10 March 2023 | access-date= 10 March 2023 | language = no}}

Following the announcement of Finland's entry into NATO following ratification by all member states, Gram expressed little surprise about Russia's response. He also stated that both Norway and the rest of NATO would be monitoring Russian activity closely and reiterated that both Sweden and Finland's entrance into the alliance was due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2023/04/03/195914307/gram-etter-russisk-nato-reaksjon-norge-og-nato-folger-russisk-aktivitet-i-nord-tett | title = Gram etter russisk Nato-reaksjon: Norge og Nato følger russisk aktivitet i nord tett | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 3 April 2023 | access-date= 4 April 2023 | language = no}}

On 3 May, Gram received the report and findings of the Defence Commission led by former justice minister Knut Storberget. Their findings notably recommended that there should be an immediate budget boost of NOK 30 billion in defence spending, extraordinary grants over ten years of around NOK 40 billion per year be given and

a further budget increase of 10 billion NOK after the period of extra appropriations is over.{{cite web | url = https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/i/VPeEvd/kommisjon-vil-ha-enorm-oekning-i-forsvarsbudsjettet-dagens-politikk-fremstaar-som-direkte-uansvarlig | title = Kommisjon vil ha enorm økning i forsvarsbudsjettet: – Dagens politikk fremstår som direkte uansvarlig | publisher = Aftenposten | date = 3 May 2023 | access-date = 3 May 2023 | language = no}}

On 24 May, Gram informed parliament that Norway will be supporting training of Ukrainian pilots for F-16 fighter jets.{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/norge/norsk-kampfly-svar_-stotter-opplaering-av-personell-pa-jagerfly-1.16420676 | title = Norsk kampfly-svar: Støtter opplæring av personell på jagerfly | publisher = NRK | date = 24 May 2023 | access-date = 24 May 2023 | language = no}}

Alongside prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Gram announced in July during a visit to Norwegian troops in Lithuania in the lead up to the NATO summit in Vilnius; that their stay would be extended by a year through 2024.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/i/jln56w/norge-viderefoerer-de-norske-styrkene-i-litauen | title = Norge viderefører de norske styrkene i Litauen | publisher = Verdens Gang | date = 10 July 2023 | access-date = 10 July 2023 | language = no}} At the NATO summit, he also signed a joint statement with Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Sweden and Romania, pledging training of the Ukrainian air force.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/RGnL1d/nato-landene-enige-om-veien-videre-for-ukrainsk-medlemskap | title = Nato-landene enige om veien videre for ukrainsk medlemskap | publisher = Verdens Gang | date = 11 July 2023 | access-date = 11 July 2023 | language = no}}

In September, Gram admitted that some cases related to weapons manufacturer Nammo should have been treated as insider trading, despite initially denying that such was the case.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/l3yAOo/innroemmet-innside-feil-krever-nye-svar-fra-gram | title = Innrømmet innside-feil: Krever nye svar fra Gram | publisher = Verdens Gang | date = 27 September 2023 | access-date = 27 September 2023 | language = no}}

In October, Gram signed a letter of intent regarding development of common solutions in air space of NATO countries. The letter of intent would mean that Norway would participate in efforts to see how NATO allies could train over national borders and air space.{{cite web | url = https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2023/10/12/195954401/norge-vil-delta-i-nato-luftrommet-over-landegrensene | title = Norge vil delta i Nato-luftrommet over landegrensene | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date = 12 October 2023 | access-date = 12 October 2023 | language = no}}

In December, he visited London to present new details for a new Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine together with his British counterpart, Grant Shapps.{{cite web | url = https://www.politico.eu/article/grant-shapps-defense-europe-must-defend-itself-with-us-support-in-doubt/ | title = Europe must defend itself with US support in doubt, UK's Grant Shapps says | publisher = Politico | date = 11 December 2023 | access-date = 11 December 2023}}

In early February, Gram signed a deal with American ambassador Marc Nathanson which would ensure that the United States an expanded presence of the US Army in a further eight selected areas of Norway. This was an expansion on a previous deal signed which had allowed for four areas.{{cite web | url = https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2024/02/02/195979787/regjeringen-apner-opp-flere-nye-omrader-for-usas-militaere-i-norge | title = Regjeringen åpner opp flere nye områder for USAs militære i Norge | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date = 2 February 2024 | access-date = 2 February 2024 | language = no}}

Gram visited Alta in March where the Nordic Response military exercise between the Nordic countries took place. While there, he revealed that the government's long term defence plan would be presented in the near future, but couldn't confirm if the wishes of 8 billion NOK in spending would be met, as recommended by Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen. Gram also met with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, whom he accompanied in meeting soldiers that participated in the exercise. He also signed a joint letter of intent in delivering air defence equipment to Ukraine.{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/forsvarsministeren-vil-ikke-love-at-forsvarssjefen-far-innfridd-sitt-onske-om-8-milliarder-kroner-1.16793507 | title = Sverige blir en del av Nato i dag: – Kjennes historisk, riktig og trygt | publisher = NRK Troms og Finnmark | date = 7 March 2024 | access-date = 7 March 2024 | language = no}}{{cite web | url = https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2024/03/07/195987476/norge-slutter-seg-til-luftvernkoalisjon-for-ukraina | title = Norge slutter seg til luftvernkoalisjon for Ukraina | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date = 7 March 2024 | access-date = 7 March 2024 | language = no}}

Alongside prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre and finance minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, Gram announced in April that the government would be spending 600 billion NOK in the Norwegian Army in the next twelve years as part of their long term plan for the army. The plan would put much more emphasis on conscription, the Navy, Army and Home Guard. He emphasised the need for more personnel in digital technology and expressed that the spending was like a reform and a way for the Army to receive better opportunities to deliver.{{cite web | url = https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/i/KnEleo/styrker-forsvaret-med-600-milliarder-kroner-slik-skal-de-bruke-pengene | title = Styrker forsvaret med 600 milliarder kroner. Slik skal de bruke pengene. | publisher = Aftenposten | date = 5 April 2024 | access-date = 6 April 2024 | language = no}}

Gram visited Japan in early September to sign a new agreement with his Japanese counterpart, Minoru Kihara, on defence industrial supplies between their two countries and to discuss the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, in addition to the relationship between China and Russia.{{cite web | url = https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/ny-samarbeidsavtale-med-japan/id3051888/ | title = Ny samarbeidsavtale med Japan | publisher = government.no | date = 3 September 2024 | access-date = 3 September 2024 | language = nb }}

Gram and finance minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum announced in late September that the government would be aiming to increase the state budget spent on the Norwegian Home Guard for 2025, allocating 277 million NOK for this purpose. Parts of the proposed budget for the Home Guard would allow them to increase annual exercises, a move which was notably praised by the Home Guard itself.{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/mr/statsbudsjettet_-vil-gi-heimevernet-277-millionar-kroner-meir-i-2025-1.17054311 | title = Vil gi Heimevernet 277 millionar meir i 2025 – alle skal trene kvart år | publisher = NRK Møre og Romsdal | date = 23 September 2024 | access-date = 24 September 2024 | language = nn}}

Gram and Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen visited Moldova in late October, where the former signed a letter of intent with his Moldovan counterpart Anatolie Nosatîi. During his visit, Gram also met with representatives from the Centre for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation.{{cite web | url = https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-and-moldova-to-strengthen-cooperation/id3066913/ | title = Norway and Moldova to strengthen cooperation | publisher = government.no | date = 31 October 2024 | access-date = 1 November 2024}}{{cite web | url = https://www.aftenposten.no/verden/i/wgxGjd/norge-inngaar-forsvarsavtale-med-moldova-gram-de-er-en-del-av-det-vestlige-fellesskapet | title = Norge inngår forsvarsavtale med Moldova. Gram: – De er en del av det vestlige fellesskapet | publisher = Aftenposten | date = 31 October 2024 | access-date = 1 November 2024 | language = nb}}

He announced in December that conscripts to the army who had been rejected due to association to high security risk countries such as China, Iran and Russia, would now have their applications reconsidered. He further demanded that the army go through their routines for conscript recruitment, security clearances and admissions to session. This came after media reports revealed that close to 300 people were rejected by the army to be conscripts with an approach that they weren't informed about.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/93XAzw/forsvarsminister-bjoern-arild-gram-varsler-full-gjennomgang-av-forsvarets-sikkerhetsklareringspraksis | title = Varsler full gjennomgang av Forsvarets sikkerhetsklarerings-praksis | publisher = Verdens Gang | date = 10 December 2024 | access-date = 11 December 2024 | language = nb | first = Silje Kathrine | last = Sviggum }}

While visiting the Skjold garrison in early January, Gram announced that the government aims to reach 3% BNP on defence by the early 2030s rather than 2036 as previously estimated. He also expressed expectations for the incoming American government's plans to solve the war in Ukraine.{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/forsvarsminister-bjorn-arild-gram-sier-norge-pa-2030-tallet-vil-bruke-tre-prosent-av-bnp-pa-forsvar-1.17196145 | title = – Det er et nytt alvor nå, hvor vi må forberede oss på at det utenkelige kan skje | publisher = NRK Troms og Finnmark | date = 9 January 2025 | access-date = 25 January 2025 | language = nb | first = Eirik Hind | last = Sveen }}

Following the Centre Party's withdrawel from government, he was succeeded by Tore O. Sandvik on 4 February 2025.{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/norge/store-presenterer-ny-regjering-tirsdag-1.17248386 | title = Nye statsråder: Stenseng inn i regjering – Skjæran får toppjobb på Stortinget | publisher = NRK | date = 4 February 2025 | access-date = 4 February 2025 | language = nb | first = Kristian | last = Skårdalsmo | first2 = Mats | last2 = Rønning | first3 = Line | last3 = Tomter | first4 = Geir Bjarte | last4 = Hjetland | first5 = Julie | last5 = Grasmo}}

{{Reflist}}

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{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before= Per Sverre Rannem}}

{{s-ttl|title= Mayor of Steinkjer Municipality|years=2007–2020}}

{{s-aft|after= Anne Berit Lein}}

{{s-bef|before=Nikolai Astrup}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister of Local Government|years=2021–2022}}

{{s-aft|after=Sigbjørn Gjelsvik}}

{{s-bef|before=Odd Roger Enoksen}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister of Defence|years=2022–2025}}

{{s-aft|after=Tore O. Sandvik}}

{{s-npo}}

{{s-bef|before=Gunn Marit Helgesen}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities|years=2020–2021}}

{{s-aft|after=Gunn Marit Helgesen}}

{{s-end}}

{{Minister of Local Government and Modernisation (Norway)}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gram, Bjorn Arild}}

Category:1972 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Steinkjer

Category:Nord-Trøndelag University College alumni

Category:University of Nordland alumni

Category:Centre Party (Norway) politicians

Category:Mayors of places in Nord-Trøndelag

Category:Norwegian state secretaries

Category:Members of the Storting

Category:Ministers of local government and modernisation of Norway

Category:Ministers of defence of Norway