Norway Joins French Nuclear Deterrence Initiative

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has announced that Norway will join France’s nuclear deterrence initiative amid growing concern in Europe over the future of US security commitments to the region.

Støre travelled to Paris on Wednesday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and to sign a new defence agreement between Norway and France.

According to the Norwegian prime minister, the move reflects the deteriorating security situation in Europe, Russia’s military rearmament, including its nuclear capabilities, and the continuing war in Ukraine.

Norway also stressed that nuclear weapons would not be stationed on its territory during peacetime.

The Nordic country, which is a member of NATO but not the European Union, shares an Arctic border with Russia.

France first proposed extending its nuclear umbrella to other European countries in March. Following Poland and Lithuania, Norway is set to become the latest European state to participate in the French initiative.

(reuters, bak)