On May 27, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and French President Emmanuel Macron announced in Paris that Norway has joined France’s initiative for nuclear deterrence in Europe.
Støre stated, “Together with nine other European countries, Norway will participate in your initiative regarding how French nuclear weapons can contribute to security and deterrence in Europe,” during a press conference in Paris.
The Prime Minister highlighted the proximity of Russia’s largest nuclear arsenal, located in the Arctic just kilometers from Norway’s border. He emphasized that Oslo will continue to rely primarily on NATO for security, adding that no nuclear weapons will be stationed in Norway during peacetime.
According to Politico, Norway’s alignment—given its longstanding ties with the United States—illustrates how European nations are reassessing their security strategies in light of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and concerns regarding the reliability of the American administration under President Donald Trump.
Earlier, Macron revealed that Germany, Poland, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden have agreed to discuss nuclear cooperation with France. This includes joint nuclear exercises, information sharing, and the potential temporary deployment of French Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons to allied territories.
Paris and Oslo have also signed a comprehensive defense agreement termed the “Narvik Agreement,” which includes a mutual assistance clause, enhanced dialogue between the two nations’ armed forces, and collaboration in air defense, space, and Arctic security.
In a previous interview with the Norwegian news agency NTB, Støre indicated that the decision was made in response to the European security landscape, particularly highlighting Russia’s extensive rearmament, including in the nuclear domain, and its full-scale war against another European nation.
Norway's recent decision to join France's nuclear deterrence initiative reflects a significant shift in European security strategies amid ongoing tensions with Russia. This move underscores the growing collaboration among European nations in addressing shared security concerns.