1 Introduction

This is Norway’s first national security strategy.

It has been drawn up against the backdrop of the most serious security situation our country has faced since the Second World War.

After decades of peace, a new era has begun for Norway and for Europe as a whole.

Norway and NATO pose no threat to anyone.

Nevertheless, we are facing serious threats from Russia. A stronger, more assertive China is creating long-term challenges. Binding international cooperation has been weakened. Relations between the US and Europe are strained.

A broad, overarching national security strategy is needed to respond to the gravity of the current situation. We must pull together to do what it takes to keep Norway secure and safe.

Norway’s fundamental security interests form the basis for this strategy. At a time of great global upheaval, these interests must be our fixed points of reference:

-A free and independent Norway.

-A robust democracy.

-A safe society with a high level of trust.

-An open and adaptable economy.

-Allied solidarity and unity in Europe.

-A world that seeks solutions based on international law.

These points represent our fundamental security interests. We must set clear priorities in order to safeguard, defend and promote them.

*

Norway has a strong foundation to build on.

The principles of our security policy are well established.

Our country has robust institutions, a high level of trust, a long tradition of cooperation, substantial economic resources and close allies, in NATO and Europe.

Over the past few years, we have made significant investments in strengthening the Norwegian Armed Forces and in enhancing the resilience of our society.

The main message of this strategy is nevertheless that we still need to do more.

Norwegian society as a whole must acknowledge and face up to the severity of the current security situation.

There is considerable uncertainty surrounding a number of key factors, not least Russia’s war against Ukraine and its long-term ramifications for global and European security.

At the same time, it is clear that fundamental shifts have taken place that have major implications for Norwegian security and our national priorities:

We must accept that our neighbour Russia has become more dangerous.

We must ensure our security at a time of growing rivalry between the major powers.

We must respond to a situation where the dividing line between war and peace is becoming increasingly blurred.

We must deal with complex issues at the intersection between security, the economy and technology.

This strategy identifies three main strategic priorities in response to these challenges.

First, we must rapidly strengthen our defence capability . We must be prepared for the fact that war could once again come to Norway. Within the framework of NATO, we will work to ensure that Europe assumes far greater responsibility for safeguarding its own security.

Second, we must increase the resilience of Norwegian society . We all need to understand the threats we are facing. We must work together to reduce our vulnerabilities and strengthen our ability to deal with serious incidents.

Third, we must strengthen our economic security . To do so, we must increase the competitiveness of the Norwegian economy, reduce vulnerabilities vis-à-vis countries with which Norway has no security cooperation, and strengthen our economic cooperation with allies and partners.

Delivering on these priorities will require commitment from all of us. It will require a whole-of-society approach – from the central government to private companies, trade unions, the voluntary sector, municipalities and everyone who lives in Norway.