EU and Norway hold second Dialogue on Security and Defence

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On 10 June 2022, the European Union and Norway held their second structured Dialogue on Security and Defence in Brussels. The annual dialogue was launched on 25 March 2021.

F.v. statssekretær Bentzen, visegeneralsekretær i EEAS Fries, statssekretær Vad Petersson
F.v. statssekretær Bentzen, visegeneralsekretær i EEAS Charles Fries, statssekretær Vad Petersson. Foto: European Union 2022

In line with the “Strategic Compass for Security and Defence” of March 2022, the EU is committed to deepening its relations with Norway, as its most closely associated partner through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). Furthermore, the EU and Norway share common principles and values and face complex global challenges and threats together.

Building on the close partnership between the EU and Norway in the field of security and defence, the second dialogue allowed for a discussion on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU and Norway stand united in condemning in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and express their full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. They exchanged on their strong and coordinated response: unprecedented hard-hitting sanctions targeting the Russian regime and its economy, which are increasing the cost for Russia of its military aggression against Ukraine; provision of civilian protection and humanitarian and financial assistance; military support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces; and support to war crimes investigations as well as a joint commitment to rebuild Ukraine.

The dialogue included an update on EU security and defence, including the EU’s Strategic Compass, and a discussion on EU-Norway security and defence cooperation, including in the context of the European Defence Fund and the Permanent Structured Cooperation, and as regards cyber, outer space and hybrid threats such as foreign information manipulation and interference. Furthermore, EU-NATO cooperation, the transatlantic partnership and issues related to security in the High North were also discussed.

The meeting was co-chaired by Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary General for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis Response at the European External Action Service, as well as Eivind Vad Petersson, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway and Bent-Joacim Bentzen, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Norway.