Cooperation on foreign and security policy
Article | Last updated: 20/01/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Norway and the EU cooperate closely in the area of foreign policy. Working together increases our ability to promote shared values and interests effectively.
Norway's foreign policy often aligns closely with that of the European Union (EU). Sharing fundamental values and frequently pursuing common goals, Norway and the EU collaborate on many foreign policy matters. This shared interest provides a solid foundation for close cooperation.
Norway has developed a strong and effective partnership with the EU. The EEA Agreement facilitates semi-annual political dialogues on foreign policy—a practice that has worked well since 1995. The Norwegian Foreign Minister meets with their counterpart from the EU’s current presidency country at least once during each six-month presidency. Similarly, the Norwegian Prime Minister meets the presidency country’s head of government. Additionally, the Foreign Minister regularly meets the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Furthermore, under the partnership agreement on security and defense, an annual dialogue occurs between Norway’s State Secretary and the EU Deputy Secretary-General.
Norway and other EEA countries also hold regular expert-level meetings with the European External Action Service (EEAS) on key foreign policy topics. These include annual meetings on the Middle East, the Western Balkans, the OSCE, Russia/Central Asia, and Africa. Norway also maintains biannual consultations with the EEAS at a senior official level.
When the EU develops common positions and declarations on current foreign policy issues, Norway is invited to align with them, which it does in most cases. This includes participation in the EU’s sanctions policy. Sanctions are most effective when like-minded countries cooperate closely and when they have broad international support. Norway also has the opportunity to align with EU statements in international organizations.
Security Policy Cooperation
Norway and the EU share many interests in security policy. The EU's initiatives to take greater responsibility for European security, complementing NATO and supporting transatlantic cooperation, are welcomed. Norway is the EU's closest partner, including in defense and security.
On May 28, 2024, Norway and the EU signed a partnership agreement on defense and security cooperation. While non-binding, the agreement consolidates and formalizes the ongoing collaboration between Norway and the EU in these areas. The intention is to strengthen cooperation on crisis management, the defense industry, space collaboration, critical infrastructure, economic security, and hybrid threats.
Through the EEA Agreement, Norway participates in the European Defence Fund (EDF) with the same rights as EU member states. Established in 2021, the EDF supports projects to develop defense materials and technologies. Norwegian participation enhances the defense industry’s access to the European defense market. The EU has also allowed Norway to take part in specific projects within the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). This includes the PESCO project on military mobility, where Norway, the US, and Canada contribute. Military mobility is crucial for enabling NATO allies to move troops and equipment across borders during peacetime, crises, or conflicts.
Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has underscored the uncertain and challenging security environment in Europe. Norway and the EU stand united in their support for Ukraine, exemplified by Norway’s significant contribution to the European Peace Facility (EPF). Norway’s Ukraine aid package, the Nansen Program, totaling 75 billion NOK, is closely aligned with the EU’s support for Ukraine.
Norway can also participate in the EU’s civilian and military crisis management operations, regulated by a 2004 framework agreement. Norway has contributed to three military and eleven civilian operations. For example, Norway provides financial and personnel support to the EU’s training mission for Ukrainian personnel (EU MAM) and participates in EU programs such as ASAP (to enhance production capacity in Europe) and EDIRPA (supporting joint defense procurement).
The Norwegian government is also working toward participation in the EU’s new space program starting in 2028. Since 2006, Norway has had a cooperation agreement with the European Defence Agency (EDA), which has enabled participation in projects that support Norwegian defense industry deliveries.
Norway also participates in several other EU programs that reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience across various sectors. Examples include Horizon Europe (the EU framework program for research and innovation) and space programs like Galileo (satellite navigation) and Copernicus (Earth observation). Similarly, Norway engages in the EU’s Digital Europe Program, the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE), and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Under the UCPM, Norway supports MEDEVAC operations that transport injured Ukrainians to hospitals across Europe.