Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Arbeiderpartiet) has issued a stark warning: Norwegians must be prepared for the possibility of war. The statement, first reported by Dagens Næringsliv, marks a significant shift in public rhetoric as the government prepares to unveil the country’s first national security strategy.
“We must once again be prepared for the possibility that war could affect Norway,” Støre told the newspaper. He cited an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable Russia as the primary concern.
Norway’s first national security strategy to be unveiled
The statement coincides with the presentation of Norway’s first comprehensive security strategy. The plan, which has been under development for five months, aims to offer a coordinated response to emerging threats from geopolitical instability, cyberattacks, and hybrid warfare.
“We have to live with a more dangerous and unpredictable Russia as our neighbour. Given the neighbour we have, and the events currently unfolding in Europe, we must be prepared for the fact that we could also be affected,” Støre said.
The Prime Minister clarified that there is no immediate threat or indication that war is imminent. However, he stressed that responsibility for freedom and independence requires readiness and resilience.
Strategic context: war in Ukraine and NATO priorities
The warning comes in the broader context of Russia’s war in Ukraine, heightened tensions in the Arctic, and NATO’s recent push to bolster collective defence among member states. Norway, which shares a border with Russia in the far north, plays a strategic role in the alliance’s northern flank.
Earlier this year, the Norwegian Armed Forces conducted their largest military exercise in decades, signalling the country’s increasing focus on deterrence and preparedness.
This is not the first time Støre has voiced concern over regional security. However, his current tone reflects growing unease about Europe’s deteriorating security landscape and Norway’s vulnerability as a frontline NATO state.
Public and political response
The Prime Minister’s remarks are likely to stir debate across Norway, particularly concerning defence spending, conscription policies, and civil preparedness. Norway’s military budget has already seen significant increases since 2022, with further hikes expected in the wake of the new strategy.
Opposition politicians have so far responded cautiously, with some welcoming the transparency, while others warn against stoking unnecessary fear.
A new phase for Norwegian security policy
The forthcoming security strategy is expected to outline a whole-of-society approach, enhancing cooperation between military, civil, and private sectors. It is also likely to address critical infrastructure protection, intelligence sharing, and emergency management.
As geopolitical tensions rise, Støre’s message is clear: while war is not imminent, Norway must be mentally, politically, and logistically prepared for the unexpected.
