Narvik Agreement: strengthened military cooperation and opening of a nuclear dialogue between Paris and Oslo | Sea and Navy

Norway and France signed a comprehensive defense agreement on May 27 under which the two countries undertake to provide mutual aid if the need arises. Its name, “Narvik Agreement,” refers to the historic alliance between Norway and France, formed when the two countries joined forces to secure the Allies’ first victory in World War II.

“The Narvik agreement will give new impetus to our cooperation. The agreement contains a provision on mutual defense: our two countries undertake to provide mutual aid, including military assistance, if the need arises. The agreement strengthens our cooperation through concrete structures, plans, exercises and pre-positioning of equipment, and will allow us to mount a rapid and coordinated response when it is really necessary,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“We are facing the most serious security situation since the Second World War. The government is pursuing a strategy to strengthen the foundation of Norwegian security. NATO membership is essential to our national security. The United States is our most important ally, and we are now building stronger ties with Europe’s most important allies to preserve our security. Over the past six months, we have concluded defense agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom, and I am delighted that today we have signed a comprehensive defense agreement with France,” Støre continued.

The agreement provides a framework for closer cooperation on hybrid warfare, maritime security, space cooperation, cyber security, support for Ukraine and defense industrial cooperation. The maritime aspect is fundamental: “Apart from the United Kingdom, France is the European ally which sails the most in the north,” recalled the Norwegian Prime Minister, while two French frigates, in particular, are currently operating in the region. The idea is to strengthen convergence between Oslo and Paris on the surveillance of the Norwegian sea, the protection of offshore energy infrastructure and the monitoring of Russian naval activities in the Far North. The agreement also strengthens cooperation through regular exercises and pre-positioning of equipment.

Future talks on the nuclear umbrella

Norway will participate, with nine other European countries (United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Greece), in a process linked to the French nuclear initiative, known as “advanced deterrence”, launched by Emmanuel Macron at the beginning of March during his speech at Ile Longue. “With some of our closest partners and allies, Norway will discuss in more detail how French nuclear weapons can further strengthen European security and deterrence. At this point in history, it is both right and necessary for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. For many years, French nuclear weapons were exclusively linked to the security of France. France is now opening a dialogue with its close allies on how its nuclear weapons can contribute to European security and provide deterrence against military threats. We will have further talks with France on how the nuclear initiative can help achieve this,” Støre said.

The Norwegian Prime Minister insisted: “Our deterrence will continue to be ensured by NATO. The United States has made it clear that its nuclear guarantee to Europe remains unchanged. French capabilities are part of NATO’s overall deterrence capacity. It was important for the government that our close European allies joined the French initiative and that France consulted the United States and NATO.” Støre stressed that the process with France does not constitute a change in Norwegian policy on nuclear weapons: “There will be no nuclear weapons on Norwegian soil in peacetime. We will also give priority to promoting arms control and non-proliferation. Closer cooperation with France in Europe and within NATO could reduce the risk that other countries are tempted to develop their own nuclear weapons.”

Russian posture and growing great power rivalry are having a profound impact on the security situation in Europe. Norway has two strategies to deal with it: the government’s strategy, which consists of forging stronger ties with several leading European military powers, so that security does not rely on a single guarantee; and the National Security Strategy, which focuses on responding to an increasingly serious threat landscape by developing stronger bilateral structures and a greater role for Europe in NATO. The agreement with France is the direct result of these two approaches.

During his visit to Paris, Prime Minister Støre held bilateral talks with French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and President Emmanuel Macron. Topics discussed included defense and security, expanding Norwegian-French cooperation and European cooperation. “France is a close ally and important partner for Norway. We cooperate closely in many areas, including defense, security and the green transition. The strategic partnership that President Macron and I signed when he was in Norway last year paves the way for additional cooperation in areas important to both countries,” Stére said.

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