The Prime Minister's contribution to the Council of Europe’s “Book of Europe. First-Hand Visions of the Future of Europe”

Europe is at a crossroads. The multilateral architecture that emerged in the aftermath of the Second World War and the post-Cold War era is being put to a historic test.

The outbreak of a full-scale war on our continent, rise of authoritarian forces, heightening of polarisation and increasing rivalry between great powers are posing challenges at the very core of Europe: the fundamental values ​​of democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The outcome of the war in Ukraine will define the future and security of Europe. This makes it imperative to stand together with Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy, and to seek an end to the Russian invasion.

75 years ago, in the wake of the Second World War, Norway took part in the founding of NATO and the Council of Europe.

Our country had only been fully independent since 1905, and had suffered five years of Nazi German military occupation. Our experience motivated us to seek broad, binding international cooperation based on common rules and values, and protection under an Alliance of like-minded democracies in Europe and North America.

This rationale was shared by many European countries after 1945. We needed – and we still need – a robust international system for collaboration where the rules apply to everyone, backed up by a strong, collective, transatlantic defence alliance.

The Council of Europe was founded on the conviction that a continent of democratic states, respect for the rule of law, and respect for human rights provide the best defence against authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, and also hold the key to sustainable peace, security and development.

Maintaining this conviction is more important than ever, as we are witnessing a re-emergence of authoritarianism and disrespect of human rights.

NATO stands as the linchpin of security on our continent. The Alliance has been fundamental to European security since it was formed. Russia’s brutal war of aggression has completely reversed the peace of the slowly fading post-Cold War era.

Today we see the return of a totalitarian state in Europe. With violence and raw military power, Russia is trying to force a sovereign Ukraine to its knees. We see the fighting in the trenches, hear the thunder of the artillery barrage, and feel the suffering of innocent civilians.

As a free, resourceful and democratic country, Norway has an obligation to support Ukraine in its struggle. The Ukrainian people are fighting for the right to their own country; for self-determination; for their history, culture and language.

Ukraine’s fight is also a fight for our common European values. And for a world order where might is not right.

We must also keep in mind that Russia is Norway’s neighbour in the north. The Arctic is a dynamic region of strategic interest for Norway.

In the 1990s, the political and economic environment was one in which expanding cooperation enabled us to resolve common challenges, both for people living in the region and for the fragile natural environment and climate.

Today the situation is a very different one, with a dominant Arctic state, Russia, engaged in a full-fledged war in the middle of Europe. Finland and Sweden’s decision to join NATO is a direct consequence of Russia’s aggression, and adds new strength to the foundation for a unified defence for the Nordic countries.

There can be no business as usual when it comes to diplomacy and interaction with Russia. Nonetheless, I am committed to doing my best to preserve what has been achieved in the Arctic to prevent a complete shutdown of the dialogue and cooperation in the Arctic Council. Norway’s chairship of the Council is all about making sure this important forum survives.

We are maintaining the minimum necessary bilateral contacts with our Russian neighbour, most significantly to sustainably manage our joint fish stocks.

The prime duty of my government is to strengthen Norway’s security. We must deter aggression and be prepared to defend ourselves.

This is why we will be increasing our defence spending considerably in the coming years, in line with NATO obligations. We must be ready to fight for freedom and democracy, when necessary. And we must be willing to work for future disarmament, and to search unceasingly for paths that can lead to peace. 

A commitment to military defence and civil preparedness alone, however, will not provide all the security we need. In a time of intensified geopolitical rivalry, Europe needs to stand up for common interests and values.

Norway strongly supports the EU’s aim to strengthen Europe’s economic growth, resilience and competitiveness. Over the last decades, Europe’s share of the global economy has been shrinking. We have fallen behind in key sectors of the modern economy.

One of the greatest challenges facing us is how to turn this trend around, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, successfully transitioning our energy systems and creating new jobs. Europe needs to stay in the forefront of the green transition, and maintain its competitiveness in the process.

I believe European industry based on European cooperation will be a driving force in moving this change forward. Norway stands ready to do its part. In addition, we will support serious efforts to rebuild a European security order that guarantees freedom and democracy for all.

Lastly, we need to achieve even stronger democratic preparedness, more effective protection for human rights, a healthier environment for disagreement and less polarisation. – Dealing with disagreement in a way that does not tear the community apart has been a strength of European communities.

We must keep these qualities alive and strong. It all comes down to trust. Trust in each other, in our communities and in democracy. These are essential building blocks for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Europe.

 

More information on the book project:

• The Book of Europe: leaders share their vision for the continent’s future - Portal