Norway plans to increase its strategic cooperation with Europeans, in a move to prepare the country for the risk of “crisis” and “war”, according to Norway’s first-ever national security strategy.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre unveiled the strategy on Thursday morning, which sets out priorities to increase the “resilience of Norwegian society”.
US President Donald Trump’s unsettling of US-European relations loom over the strategy. An updated threat assessment included in the 18-page document notes that “new American priorities” have generated “considerable uncertainty” in the future of transatlantic relations.
But the country is still “dependent on support and reinforcements” from the US in order to “maintain a credible defence”, the strategy notes.
While Norway remains heavily invested in the NATO alliance, it intends to bolster “its security and defence cooperation with the EU” as well.
Although Norway is not a member of the EU, it is closely linked with the bloc and is part of both the EU’s common market and the Schengen Area.
Norway signed a security partnership with Brussels in 2024, which means it would have access to the European Commission’s proposed €150 billion in joint defence borrowing aimed at bolstering European military procurement.
The strategy prioritises rapid strengthening of Norway’s defence capabilities, economic security and social resilience. Norway will also look to strengthen strategic cooperation with the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Poland, according to the strategy.
The government’s presentation of the strategy came directly after marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, when Norway was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany.
“War could once again come to Norway,” the plan warns.
(bts)