policy_strategy
Norway Takes Over Leadership Role in Nordefco from 2026
From 1 January 2026, Norway will assume leadership of the Nordic defence cooperation Nordefco from Finland, with a focus on strengthening security through joint training and development of defence policy.
Norway will take over the leadership of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (Nordefco) from Finland starting 1 January 2026.
This is stated in a press release published by the Norwegian government. According to the information, Norway will lead the cooperation between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden during 2026. In connection with the takeover, the Nordic defence ministers gathered for a Nordefco meeting in Helsinki (capital of Finland).
In the press release, Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, comments on the upcoming chairmanship.
– "Europe cannot take security for granted. We must do more for our security, and close cooperation with our allies is absolutely crucial. As Norway is now set to lead Nordefco, we will further develop a cooperation that makes the entire Nordic region safer," says Tore O. Sandvik, Minister of Defence in Norway, in the press release.
Nordefco, Nordic Defence Cooperation, was established in 2009 with the aim of strengthening defence cooperation between the Nordic countries. According to the government, the cooperation was founded on a common need for closer collaboration between neighbouring countries that share history, culture, security interests, and geographical proximity. Today, all Nordefco countries are also members of NATO.
According to the press release, Norway's leadership will focus on joint training and exercises, as well as the development of defence and security policy that will enable the countries to defend each other and receive and move allied reinforcements within the Nordic area. It is also stated that Total Defence is highlighted as a prerequisite for this work and that 2026 marks the Year of Total Defence within Nordefco.
FAQ
- När tar Norge över ledarrollen i Nordefco?
- Norge tar över ledarrollen i Nordefco den 1 januari 2026. Detta sker efter att Finland avslutar sitt ordförandeskap. De nordiska försvarsministrarna samlades i Helsingfors för att diskutera övergången. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-01-02.
- Vad är syftet med Nordefco?
- Syftet med Nordefco är att stärka försvarssamarbetet mellan de nordiska länderna. Samarbetet etablerades 2009 och bygger på gemensamma säkerhetsintressen. Alla Nordefco-länder är även medlemmar i Nato. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-01-02.
- Vilka fokusområden kommer Norges ledarskap i Nordefco att ha?
- Norges ledarskap i Nordefco kommer att fokusera på gemensam träning och övning. Det inkluderar utveckling av försvars- och säkerhetspolitik för att stärka nordiskt försvar. Totalförsvaret lyfts som en viktig del av detta arbete. Senast faktagranskad: 2026-01-02.