# Norway Takes Over Leadership Role in Nordefco from 2026

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026
- Published: 2026-01-02
- Author: Jacob Wollheim
- Type: News · Country: sweden
- Language: en — machine translation from sv; the sv version is authoritative: https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/norway-takes-over-the-leadership-role-in-nordefco-from-2026.md)
- Primary source: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/norge-tar-over-lederrolle-i-det-nordiske-forsvarssamarbeidet-nordefco/id3143979/
- Tags: norge, nordefco, finland, danmark, sverige, island, nato, tore o. sandvik, norway, sweden, denmark, iceland, nordic defence cooperation

> 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.

![The defence ministers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden gathered for the NORDEFCO meeting in Helsinki. From 1 January 2026, Norway will take over the leadership of the NORDEFCO cooperation structure from Finland.](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/ea9abdc4-36fb-4777-4eb2-56db64e11200/public)
*The defence ministers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden gathered for the NORDEFCO meeting in Helsinki. From 1 January 2026, Norway will take over the leadership of the NORDEFCO cooperation structure from Finland. · Asgeir Spange Brekke / Forsvarsdepartementet*

**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

**When will Norway take over the leadership role in Nordefco?**

Norway will take over the leadership role in Nordefco on 1 January 2026. This occurs after Finland concludes its chairmanship. The Nordic defence ministers gathered in Helsinki to discuss the transition. Last fact-checked: 2026-01-02.

**What is the purpose of Nordefco?**

The purpose of Nordefco is to strengthen defence cooperation among the Nordic countries. The cooperation was established in 2009 and is based on common security interests. All Nordefco countries are also members of NATO. Last fact-checked: 2026-01-02.

**What focus areas will Norway's leadership in Nordefco have?**

Norway's leadership in Nordefco will focus on joint training and exercises. This includes the development of defence and security policy to strengthen Nordic defence. Total defence is highlighted as an important part of this work. Last fact-checked: 2026-01-02.

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