Security policy

A strong and credible national defence capability is key to safeguarding Norway’s security. At the same time, in light of the current threat landscape, a broad-based approach is needed to uphold our sovereignty, territorial integrity and political freedom of action.

Now, at the start of the 2020s, the world is becoming increasingly unstable and unpredictable. Maintaining geopolitical stability has become a challenge once again, and tensions between the major powers are rising. Global threats such as pandemics and climate change pose challenges to domestic and foreign policy alike. Disarmament agreements are being undermined and abandoned. Democratic values are under pressure.

International cooperation, based on international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes are key priorities for Norway. Any weakening of international law would represent a threat to national security. Maintaining and further developing the international legal order is therefore an overall goal of Norwegian foreign and security policy. From this perspective, it is vital that Norway takes a comprehensive approach, with efforts ranging from exercising our sovereignty and authority in Norway’s sea areas to participating in peace processes.     

Membership of NATO will continue to be of fundamental importance to Norway’s defence, and our ability to deter attacks and prevent conflict. In recent years, the Alliance has undergone a comprehensive process of reform. Norway attaches importance to building political cohesion among the Allies and to ensuring that the Alliance has sufficient resources. Both of these are essential if NATO is to carry out its core tasks and continue to be able to adapt to a changing security landscape.

Norway also considers it important to strengthen security policy ties with selected close allies and partners, including the other Nordic countries and the EU in areas where such cooperation could complement or reinforce the collective security provided by NATO. Maintaining bilateral security cooperation with a wide range of partners is particularly important in order to address growing security threats that cannot be met using conventional military means.