English
Norwegian Prime Minister Sounds the Alarm on the US. Støre Announces a Shift in Security Policy
In the photo: Jonas Gahr Støre and Donald Trump during a meeting in Washington (April 2025). Fot. Daniel Sannum Lauten / Pool / TV2 / Statsministerens kontor (Flickr.com, CC BY-NC 2.0)
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has warned of growing uncertainty in relations with the US under Donald Trump. In a speech to the Storting, he pointed to changes in American security policy and their consequences for Norway and Europe.
On February 12, the Prime Minister presented an update on the security situation. He emphasized that the world is entering a period of heightened tensions, pointing to Russia’s war with Ukraine and the growing role of authoritarian states. He also announced his participation in the Munich Security Conference.
A New US Approach to Europe
Støre spoke about changes in United States policy. He drew attention to rhetorical attacks on Europe from the MAGA movement and recalled Trump’s remarks at the UN forum directed at European allies. He emphasized that the US is increasingly imposing tariffs even on its partners.
The Prime Minister noted that Washington is moving away from its traditional role as a promoter of rules-based trade. He pointed to the use of tariffs as a tool of political pressure and spoke about pressure on the media and independent institutions in the US. He assessed that unpredictability has become one of the main features of the current administration.
The Prime Minister noted that Washington is moving away from its traditional role as a promoter of rules-based trade. He pointed to the use of tariffs as a tool of political pressure and spoke about pressure on the media and independent institutions in the US. He assessed that unpredictability has become one of the main features of the current administration.
Norway is participating in talks about a possible ceasefire.Photo / archival photo, Taras Gren; press materials from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (Flickr.com, CC BY-SA 2.0)
Russia Remains the Main Threat
Støre emphasized that Russia is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Europe. However, he noted that according to the government’s assessment, Moscow is currently not interested in an armed conflict with Norway. He pointed to increased intelligence activity and disinformation campaigns. He added that nearly half of Russia’s state budget is allocated to defense.
The Prime Minister also addressed the situation on the front in Ukraine. According to him, in 2025 Russia occupied 0.8% of Ukraine’s territory, compared to 0.6% the previous year. He stressed that neither side has a decisive advantage. Norway is participating in talks on a possible ceasefire involving Ukraine, the US, and European countries.
The Prime Minister also addressed the situation on the front in Ukraine. According to him, in 2025 Russia occupied 0.8% of Ukraine’s territory, compared to 0.6% the previous year. He stressed that neither side has a decisive advantage. Norway is participating in talks on a possible ceasefire involving Ukraine, the US, and European countries.
What Next for the Norwegian Military?
Støre announced strengthened cooperation with Nordic and Northern European countries as part of the so-called security strategy. He emphasized that Norway will not base its security solely on the US.
He pointed to the need to deepen military cooperation and increase the presence of allies in regions crucial for the country. During the parliamentary debate, opposition voices also raised concerns about the slow pace of expanding Norway’s armed forces and the need to further strengthen transatlantic relations.
He pointed to the need to deepen military cooperation and increase the presence of allies in regions crucial for the country. During the parliamentary debate, opposition voices also raised concerns about the slow pace of expanding Norway’s armed forces and the need to further strengthen transatlantic relations.
Dodaj komentarz
Wyślij