Åpningsinnlegg ved sikkerhetspolitisk konferanse i Washington - NATO in an era of global competition

*Sjekkes mot fremføring*

Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to be here in Washington and address this distinguished audience.

I look forward to this conference and to discuss security issues of strategic importance with you.

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence is very pleased to have entered into this cooperation on Transatlantic Security Relations with the Atlantic Council. We also appreciate the efforts of the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies in supporting this event.

This is a topic of great importance to us. The transatlantic relationship has been the cornerstone of Norwegian security since the Second World War. And it still is!

It is also an important pillar of NATO. It is therefore vital for us to continue this close relationship.

I would like to use this opportunity to highlight three trends in global developments that we should have at the front of our minds when we engage in discussions on the transatlantic relationship.

Firstly, the global power structure is gradually changing. The Asia-Pacific region is becoming more important, economically, politically, militarily and as a potential conflict area. And as a result the American focus is shifting too. From a European perspective this means that we no longer are the center of the American attention. And to some Europeans this is a bit worrying!

Another factor is the impact of the global economic crisis. The economic turmoil has forced many Allies, especially in Europe, to make great cuts in their defense expenditures. Since 2008 all but four NATO countries have cut their defense budgets. This has an impact both on European ability to execute the full spectrum of missions and on transatlantic burden-sharing. And at the same time we observe heavy investment and modernization of capabilities and forces in other places of the world!

Thirdly, I would also like to add that we increasingly need to closely follow developments in areas close to the borders of Allies. In the South, NATO has already been engaged in Libya. The turmoil in Syria has resulted in the forward deployment of air defence units from the US, the Netherlands and Germany to Turkey. The situation in Iran remains worrying. In the East we observe a resurgent Russia. We do not currently regard Russia as a threat, but it is a situation that needs monitoring and engagement from NATO and Allies.

These developments challenge the unity of the Alliance and calls for close dialogue and cooperation between the member states. But the common history, common values and common interest we share should not be underestimated. The fact that the transatlantic relationship is institutionalized through NATO also makes it more robust.

The geopolitical changes also challenges the status of both the US and Europe in the new power structure. And in this regard, I believe that it is in our common interest to continue our close partnership.

However, ensuring the political relevance and public legitimacy of NATO in all member states remains vital. To bolster support for NATO we need to adapt a more regional approach. This means that NATO should increase its focus and competence on its own territory and its periphery in order to be perceived as relevant to the threats and challenges that we are facing closer to home.

Using Norway as an example, we have a special interest in the challenges in the High North. A few weeks ago the Secretary General of NATO and the North Atlantic Council visited the North of Norway and our national joint headquarters in Bodø. We wanted to demonstrate how the Alliance can benefit from our situational awareness and regional expertise in a crisis situation in our part of the world. 

To do this successfully we have established a link between our operational headquarters and the NATO Command Structure already in peacetime. In addition we facilitate NATO-exercises on our territory. We work actively in the Alliance to establish generic and flexible operational plans for our region.

Nationally we increase spending on our Armed Forces and get in place national contingency plans. We do not expect to be engaged in a war in our part of the world tomorrow, but we believe in being prepared for the full specter of contingencies.

The commitment to article 5 needs to be firm, and the ability to execute deployable high-Intensity operations must remain robust. Together with the permanent political and military structures and the close transatlantic ties, this is what makes NATO unique and underpins its credibility as a defense alliance for all its members. 

When it comes to handling the challenging economic situaion, Europe and NATO must play its cards wisely. Or as Ernest Rutheford once put it “We haven’t got the money so we have to think”.

More focus on expenses, smaller budgets and smaller defense structures, make it even more important to make the right priorities. This should not be led by short term operational specific demands, but should focus on the longer term strategic needs. Although it is easy to focus on the most likely threats, it is crucial not to forget the most severe threats the defense alliance may face.

If allies begin to question NATO’s ability to offer collective security and defense, this may result in a re-nationalization of their security policy, and they may seek bilateral alternatives which will undermine the Alliance.

I do not believe that increased American focus on Asia will weaken US commitment to transatlantic security and defense cooperation. Instead of worrying about getting irrelevant, European countries should focus on defining their role in the Asia-Pacific region.

In today’s interconnected world, the developments in Asia are also of interest to Europe. A more active European engagement in the region is therefore desirable. The purpose should not be to build a global NATO, but to help other states doing more for their own security. It is important to stress that in order for this to be realistic, the areas of cooperation should be low cost.

Lastly, to make sure that the transatlantic ties remain relevant to both Europeans and Americans, we have to continue to invest in it.

The only purpose for me of being in politics is to strive for the values and ideals we together believe in; Freedom, justice, democracy and solidarity. Tony Blair once said, when Europe and America stand together the world is a more prosperous place.

This is why we value events like this. I want to thank the Atlantic Council for organizing this conference.

I wish you all fruitful discussions and the best for the rest of the conference.

Thank you for your attention!