“Current activity and infrastructure, or the Armed Forces’ need for security, discipline, peace and order have not been taken into account,” the proposal from the Ministry of Defence states.
Same procedure as on the mainland
The proposal follows a demanding and uncertain security policy situation, where allied support and activity in Norwegian areas has increased, including at Jan Mayen.
The Ministry of Defense believes that the possible presence of allied forces on the island should be regulated in the same way as on the mainland.
The Ministry therefore believes that the current security policy situation, seen in light of the future increase in Norwegian and allied presence in the area, indicates that there is a need for an expansion of the geographical scope of the military police authority to also include Jan Mayen.
Jan Mayen became subject to Norwegian sovereignty in May 1929 and was incorporated as part of the Kingdom of Norway in February 1930. Jan Mayen is not part of any Norwegian county, but is subject to the County Governor of Nordland.
The consultation deadline is set for Monday, January 12th, 2026.