31/05/2026
Europe must shoulder more responsibility for its own security, says Støre
Norwegian Prime Minister outlines his government’s positions on France, NATO, India, China, Arctic security and the European Union during a meeting with the Foreign Press Association, Norway
By Muhammad Zunair
OSLO: Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, and Norway’s deepening defense cooperation with France is part of that broader strategy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said during a wide-ranging discussion with members of the Foreign Press Association.
Støre said Norway’s security policy rests on three pillars: a strong national defense, NATO’s collective security framework, and close cooperation with allied countries.
While describing the United States as Norway’s most important ally particularly in the High North he argued that European countries must assume a greater share of responsibility for their own defense and security.
Norway has already concluded defense and security cooperation agreements with the United Kingdom and Germany, he noted, and France has now joined that group through the recently signed Narvik Agreement.
“If our allies are talking to France, why should Norway stay out?”
Addressing questions about France and nuclear deterrence, Støre emphasized that Norway is not changing its longstanding nuclear policy.
He said Norway will continue its policy of not allowing nuclear weapons on Norwegian soil in peacetime, will not contribute financially to France’s nuclear weapons program, and is not moving under a French nuclear umbrella.
Instead, he said, Norway and France will engage in political and military dialogue aimed at improving mutual understanding of threat assessments, defense planning and deterrence concepts.
France has increasingly opened discussions on these issues with European partners, Støre said, adding that Norway should not remain outside those conversations.
“When our Nordic neighbours and key European partners are engaged in this dialogue with France, it would be difficult for Norway to remain outside it,” he said.
The United States understands what this is.
Støre said France had already informed allies, including the United States, about the initiative. He added that he had discussed the matter with senior NATO military leaders and that the cooperation is understood for what it is.
According to the Prime Minister, the dialogue with France should not be seen as an alternative to NATO but as a complementary process within the broader security framework.
“NATO remains the foundation of Norwegian security,” he said, noting that NATO’s nuclear deterrence continues to rely primarily on American nuclear capabilities.
India seen as a key strategic partner
Støre described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Norway and the Nordic–India Summit as important developments in bilateral relations.
He said Norway and its EFTA partners have concluded a comprehensive trade agreement with India, describing it as a significant step toward expanding economic cooperation.
According to the Prime Minister, there is considerable potential for stronger cooperation in trade, science, artificial intelligence, green energy and investment.
$100 billion investment goal
Støre said projections of up to $100 billion in future investments in India were based on assessments by Norwegian business organizations and industry representatives.
He stressed that the figure is not an immediate commitment but a long-term target linked to India’s economic growth and future investment opportunities.
“High North, Low Tension” Remains Norway’s Arctic Policy
Turning to Arctic affairs, the Prime Minister said Norway remains committed to its longstanding “High North, Low Tension” policy. He said Norway will maintain a strong presence in the north, closely monitor developments and continue promoting cooperation among Arctic states.
According to Støre, Russia’s war against Ukraine has made Arctic cooperation more difficult, but Norway remains committed to international law and the Law of the Sea.
“The Arctic is not a place without rules,” he said, stressing that coastal states have clearly defined rights and responsibilities under international law.
Greenland and Arctic security
Asked about Greenland, Støre noted that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that Denmark is a NATO member.
He said Norway has consistently shown solidarity with Denmark and Greenland and pointed to ongoing cooperation among the Arctic Seven countries on security issues.
According to him, NATO is also working on a common approach to Arctic security and defense planning.
Nearly all new cars are electric, but energy demand is rising
The Prime Minister said Norway’s energy system remains largely based on hydropower and that the country is rapidly electrifying its economy.
Nearly all new cars sold in Norway are now electric, he said, while electricity consumption continues to grow across multiple sectors.
As a result, Norway faces increasing demand for additional energy production and expanded grid infrastructure.
Norway will continue supplying Europe with gas
Støre said Norway currently supplies more than 30 percent of Europe’s natural gas, while around 35 percent of the United Kingdom’s gas comes from Norway.
He argued that Europe benefits from having a stable democratic supplier of energy and said Norway intends to maintain that role in the years ahead.
Oil is not a political tool
The Prime Minister said Norway made a deliberate decision decade ago not to politicize oil and gas exports.
Energy, he said, is sold according to market principles rather than political preferences, and that policy remains unchanged.
He also noted that higher oil prices do not directly increase government spending but instead contribute to Norway’s sovereign wealth fund.
Støre added that Norway continues to support Ukraine and remains among the few countries allocating approximately one percent of national income to international development assistance.
Engagement with China, alongside security concerns
Discussing China, the Prime Minister said Norway seeks to maintain political, economic and trade relations with Beijing.
He described China as a major global actor and said cooperation is necessary on issues such as artificial intelligence, arms control and other global challenges.
At the same time, he noted that Norwegian security assessments identify both Russia and China as significant sources of intelligence threats.
For that reason, Norway exercises particular caution regarding sensitive technologies, universities and certain sectors of the business community in order to protect national interests and critical technologies.
EU membership debate not a priority
Responding to questions about the European Union, Støre said Norway continues to work closely with the EU through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement.
He argued that maintaining national unity and broad political consensus is particularly important under current international conditions.
According to the Prime Minister, there is strong political agreement in Norway on support for Ukraine, long-term defense planning and several other major national issues.
For that reason, reopening a national debate on EU membership is not among his government’s priorities at present.
Fixed parliamentary terms encourage consensus
Støre noted that Norway’s Parliament serves fixed four-year terms and cannot be dissolved before elections.
As a result, political parties must work together and seek broad agreements on major national issues, he said.
Concluding the discussion, the Prime Minister said national unity remains one of Norway’s key strengths in addressing today’s security challenges and international uncertainties.
