Oslo, May 28: Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has announced that his country will join French President Emmanuel Macron’s nuclear deterrence initiative. However, he clarified that this decision does not alter Norway’s fundamental nuclear weapons policy.
On Wednesday, Støre arrived in Paris for discussions with Macron. In conversations with Norwegian media, he stated that this decision was made in light of the current security situation in Europe, emphasizing that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security.
According to reports from Xinhua News Agency, Støre reiterated that Norway’s nuclear policy will remain unchanged. He stated that during peacetime, Norway will not permit the deployment of nuclear weapons in its territory and will not provide financial support for France’s nuclear weapons program.
In March, Macron announced plans to strengthen France’s nuclear arsenal and increase the number of nuclear weapons. He also expressed a desire to integrate France’s nuclear deterrence strategy within the framework of European partnerships and collective security. France aims to connect its nuclear security policy beyond national borders, involving the entire European security landscape. Several countries, including Sweden, the UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, and Denmark, have shown interest in this initiative.
On Wednesday, Norway and France signed a new defense agreement in Paris, under which both nations will provide military assistance to each other when necessary.
According to the news website Onet, last month, France and Poland discussed conducting joint military exercises, as Paris seeks European allies to participate in its nuclear deterrence framework.
In April, during a meeting in Gdańsk, Northern Poland, Macron discussed this topic with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The two leaders also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and defense sectors.
When asked about nuclear cooperation, Macron mentioned in a joint press conference that the options being considered include information sharing, joint military exercises, and potential troop deployments.
Tusk noted that discussions on nuclear security cooperation are ongoing confidentially. By accepting France’s invitation, Poland has become part of a special group that understands the need for European solidarity and sovereignty.
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