Norwegian Government commits to allocating 5 % of GDP to defence-related expenditures

In the run-up to the NATO Summit on 24–25 June, there are ongoing discussions between the Allied countries on the proposal to commit to allocating 5 % of GDP to defence-related expenditures. The overall aim is to strengthen defence capabilities and increase resilience. This is in line with Norway’s Long-term Defence Plan and the new National Security Strategy. Norway supports the NATO proposal to establish a 5 % target.

Taking responsibility for our own security

‘The commitment we are now making is in line with the key priorities set out in the National Security Strategy, where we have stated clearly that we must rapidly strengthen our defence capability and enhance the resilience of Norwegian society. We are now following this up in cooperation with our Allies in NATO. Europe must shoulder greater responsibility for its own security, and we will do our part,’ said Mr Støre.

‘Russia poses a significant, long-term threat to our security. To address this threat, the NATO defence ministers agreed at a meeting in June on a new set of capability targets, the most ambitious targets NATO has had since the Cold War. If we are to ensure that NATO can meet the needs identified in its defence plans and fulfil its core tasks in peacetime, each member country must substantially increase its defence spending,’ said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

Strengthening the civilian sector as well

The allocation of 5 % of GDP to defence-related expenditures will be used to strengthen more than just the defence sector.

‘In the event of a major crisis or war, it is essential that the Norwegian Armed Forces and civil society work closely together. The Armed Forces are dependent on civilian support. It is therefore vital that we enhance the ability of the civilian sector to do its part of the job,’ said Mr Støre.

Efforts are under way to build consensus on effective burden-sharing among the NATO member countries so that agreement can be reached at the NATO Summit on a new defence target of 5 % of GDP and on a deadline for when this target is to be reached. This 5 % target is set to include 3.5 % to be allocated to core defence expenditure under the current agreed definition, and 1.5 % of GDP per year to be allocated to defence and security-related investment in the civilian sector to support military capabilities and increase resilience.

‘The 1.5 % can be allocated to areas and measures that boost our resilience and support the implementation of our defence plans. This could include expenditures relating to operational costs and investments in infrastructure, civil preparedness, security of energy supply, efforts to expand the capacity of the defence industry and measures to protect us from hybrid and cyber threats,’ said Mr Støre.

Dialogue with the Storting

The Long-term Defence Plan provides a good basis for rapidly strengthening Norway’s national defence capability, in accordance with the National Security Strategy. In a white paper on the status and progress of, and challenges and risks associated with, the implementation of the Long-term Defence Plan (Meld St. 33 (2024–2025)), the Government has laid the groundwork for a process for maintaining close dialogue with the Storting once the NATO Summit has concluded its discussions on the new defence targets for the NATO member countries. This process will be initiated in the autumn once the newly elected Storting has convened.

‘There is broad agreement in the Storting on the need to invest more in our national defence. After the NATO Summit, we will engage in dialogue with the various parties in the Storting on the specifics of our plan for reaching the new target and strengthening our defence capability,’ said Mr Støre.

All the NATO Allies are on track to reach the current NATO target of spending 2 % of their GDP on defence this year. Current estimates show that Norway will be using 3.3 % of its GDP in 2025; this includes Norway’s military support to Ukraine.

‘We must devote more of our country’s resources to defence, security and preparedness, including within the civilian sector. We must adapt rapidly and develop good solutions that enable us to meet Norway’s and NATO’s needs,’ said Mr Sandvik.