When heads of state and government convene for a summit in Vilnius on Tuesday, they will adopt new regional defense plans and reaffirm support for Ukraine. With Sweden’s NATO membership approval, the summit also marks a historic gathering of the Nordic countries in NATO.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, along with Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, held a press briefing at the opening of the NATO summit in Vilnius. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, along with Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, held a press briefing at the opening of the NATO summit in Vilnius. Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold / Forsvaret “This will be the most important NATO summit of our time. Among other things, we will adopt a historic uplift for NATO’s collective defense capability with updated regional defense plans for the first time since the Cold War,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Approval of Swedish NATO Membership Following a meeting between Secretary General Stoltenberg, President Erdogan of Turkey, and Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden on Monday evening, it was clarified that Turkey has formally approved Sweden’s NATO membership.
“This approval of Swedish NATO membership is important, positive, and gratifying for Sweden, Norway, the Nordic countries, and NATO. It is also the first summit with Finland participating as a full member. A united Nordic presence in NATO will make the alliance stronger and the Nordic region safer,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Historic Uplift for NATO’s Collective Defense Capability This year’s NATO summit in Vilnius takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Europe. Heads of state and government gather to discuss and make decisions on two main areas:
A historic uplift for NATO’s collective defense capability, which includes new regional defense plans, increased investments, and commitments across the entire alliance. A clear confirmation of support for Ukraine’s legitimate defense against Russia. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is attending the summit alongside Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
Critical for Norway The decisions to be made at the Vilnius summit will be crucial for the entire alliance and for Norwegian security.
“There are at least four reasons why this summit is critical for Norway. Firstly, it will strengthen NATO’s ability to fulfill its main task of protecting member countries in times of crisis and war. Secondly, increased defense spending clearly enhances our own preparedness, security, and defense capability. Thirdly, the summit will decide to establish a dedicated center for the protection of underwater infrastructure, which is of vital importance for Norway. Lastly, Finland’s and now Sweden’s membership means a stronger Nordic presence in NATO,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
NATO’s Collective Defense Capability During the summit, NATO will take historic measures to strengthen the alliance’s collective defense capability, including:
New defense plans covering the entire geographical responsibility of the alliance. A new force structure with dedicated forces for each regional plan that can be deployed in times of crisis and war. A new regional command structure responsible for the various plans and associated forces. “This is something Norway has worked on within NATO since 2008 through the neighboring area initiative. I remember arguing that NATO needed to ‘come back home.’ That is happening now with the decisions we will make at the Vilnius summit,” said Støre.
Increased Support for Ukraine Heads of state and government will also reaffirm their support for Ukraine. Previously, Norway had decided to support Ukraine with 15 billion kroner annually for five years through the Nansen program.
“Ukraine currently has an urgent need for more military support and equipment. Therefore, Norway is expanding its military support to Ukraine from 7.5 billion to 10 billion kroner for 2023,” said the Prime Minister.
This support will be provided through the Nansen program, which has a total budget of 75 billion kroner over five years. Norway has already committed to providing 15 billion kroner in civil and military support in 2023 through the Nansen program. The government has now decided to allocate an additional 2.5 billion kroner in 2023 due to Ukraine’s increased need for assistance.
Additionally, Norway will contribute more to NATO’s support fund for Ukraine.
“Norway is increasing its contribution to NATO’s support fund for Ukraine. We will provide 300 million kroner in 2023 and a total of 1.5 billion kroner over five years. This is a clear signal of long-term support for Ukraine’s reform efforts and will further integrate Ukraine with the alliance,” said Støre.
Norway to Allocate 2% of GDP to Defense Increased defense investments are also a topic at the summit.
“Norway takes responsibility. We are the first Norwegian government to decide that we will allocate a minimum of 2% of GDP to defense from 2026. This level of investment will be maintained thereafter,” said Støre.
Underwater Infrastructure The summit will approve the establishment of a NATO Center for Critical Underwater Infrastructure.
“The war in Ukraine has once again shown that the protection of critical infrastructure is of great strategic importance. As the largest supplier of gas to Europe, Norway has a special responsibility for the protection of underwater infrastructure. This was the basis for my initiative, together with German Chancellor Scholz last year, for NATO to play a greater role in this important work. I am pleased that NATO is now establishing a dedicated center for the protection of critical underwater infrastructure,” said Støre.