‘A crucial NATO Summit’ in The Hague

‘The world has become more dangerous and more unpredictable. Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. This means we must devote a greater share of public resources to defence than previously. The Government will therefore support investing 5 % of GDP in strengthening Norway’s defence capability and safeguarding people in Norway. I look forward to the Summit in The Hague, where we together with our Allies will be taking a decision to significantly strengthen NATO’s collective security. In these times of global instability, this is a crucial NATO Summit,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

‘Increasing our investment will be extremely costly, but we cannot afford not to. Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine shows all too clearly the fundamental importance of deterrence and defence,’ said the Prime Minister.

More effective burden-sharing

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has proposed that NATO Allies commit to allocating 5 % of GDP to defence expenditures and measures related to defence and security. The 5 % target is set to include 3.5 % of GDP to be allocated to core defence expenditure. At the meeting of NATO defence ministers earlier in June, the Allies agreed on new capability targets to ensure that NATO’s has sufficient forces and capabilities to meet the needs identified in NATO’s defence plans and fulfil its essential tasks in peacetime. Achieving these targets will require all Allies to use approximately 3.5 % of GDP on defence.

‘Norway and other NATO Allies must invest more, and more rapidly, to strengthen our defence capability. Our Long-term Defence Plan provides a good basis for addressing the demands placed on Norway. But in light of the increased threat posed by Russia, we need to adjust our plans and scale up our defence. This is essential for maintaining a credible defence and a strong policy of deterrence. All the Allies must help to ensure that NATO’s capability targets are met,’ said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. 

Within the 5 % framework, 1.5 % of GDP will be allocated to measures in the civilian sector that support military capabilities and increase resilience.

‘We must invest in more than just tanks, ammunition and weapons. We must also invest in areas that support the implementation of our defence plans, such as infrastructure and communication, and enable our Armed Forces to function,’ said Mr Sandvik. 

Security in the north

An aggressive Russia that is willing to take risks must be deterred from threatening Norwegian or Allied security.

‘Russian capabilities at sea and in the air on the Kola Peninsula are intact and pose a threat to Norway and its Allies. This includes nuclear capabilities. Norway takes this threat seriously and is working actively within NATO to deter Russia and maintain stability in the north,’ said Foreign Minister Eide. 

Unwavering support to Ukraine

During the Summit, the heads of state and government will also reaffirm the Allies’ continued support for Ukraine. In March, the political parties in the Storting (Norwegian national assembly) agreed to increase Norway’s support to Ukraine to a total of NOK 85 billion for 2025.

‘Norway stands firm in its support to Ukraine. Russia’s war against Ukraine poses a direct threat to peace and security across the European continent. Ukraine’s fight to defend itself is a fight for the future of Europe. We will continue to provide support to Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself on the battlefield, and to provide civilian support to the people of Ukraine, who have endured unimaginable suffering,’ said the Prime Minister.

The President of Ukraine has been invited to attend the dinner being held at the Royal Palace the evening before the NATO Summit opens. Representatives of the European Union and NATO’s partners in the Pacific (Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea), all of which strongly support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, will also be in attendance.

The NATO foreign ministers will also be meeting in the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC). The Ukrainian foreign minister participates in this forum on an equal footing with counterparts in the Alliance.

Summit and side events

The historic decision to strengthen the defence Alliance will be taken by heads of state and government in the North Atlantic Council.

‘At this meeting we are seeking to achieve more equitable burden-sharing in the Alliance. Although the US will continue to play a vital role in our collective security, the other Allies now need to do more to strengthen NATO’s military effectiveness and deterrence capability. Increased production capacity in the defence industry and strong support for Ukraine will be key topics of discussion at the Summit,’ said Prime Minister Støre.

On 24 June the defence ministers will hold a separate meeting to discuss the implementation of NATO’s new capability targets, measures to strengthen the defence industry and continued military support for Ukraine. Norway’s defence minister and representatives of the Norwegian defence industry will also participate in a defence industry forum. A variety of side events and bilateral meetings will take place as well.