OSLO – In an emotional and historic moment for the nation, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre welcomed journalists to the newly rebuilt government headquarters this week, marking the end of a 15-year journey since the devastating 2011 terrorist attack.
“For five years during World War Two, running property was out of this environment. This time around we were away for fifteen years since the bomb went off in 2011 until we moved back into the new quarters. So it’s an historic moment,” Støre said.
The compound now houses 2,200 employees, with plans to reach over 4,000. Describing the architecture as “a combination of wood and Greek,” the Prime Minister emphasized the practical benefits of consolidating ministries that were previously scattered. “Had we decided to have ministries spread around, it would have been much more complicated, much more expensive because we would have to secure roads and corners and buildings.”
Støre noted that the 60% of reconstruction costs went to security measures. “I walk from my office to the foreign minister’s office, and it takes one minute and 40 seconds,” he said, contrasting with his seven years as foreign minister spent constantly moving between buildings.
Norway Deepens European Defense Ties with Nuclear Dialogue
Returning from Paris where he witnessed the signing of the Narvik Agreement with France, Støre outlined Norway’s “hedging strategy” in today’s security environment. While reaffirming that Norway’s security rests on its own modern defense and NATO membership—with the United States as its most significant ally—he stressed that “Europe has to take more charge, has to take more of the bill and more of the responsibility for security in Europe.”
Norway has now completed defense and security agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Most notably, Norway will join a dialogue with France on the development of its nuclear deterrent, alongside Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Germany, the UK, Greece, and the Netherlands.
Støre was careful to clarify what this does and does not mean: “No nuclear weapons on Norwegian soil in peacetime, not changing. No funding from Norway to French nuclear weapons. No limitation to our efforts to promote arms control.”
“This is a French, uniquely French resource capability under the direction of the French president, not integrated into NATO plans,” he explained. “Norway’s objective is still to work and contribute to arms control and reduction of nuclear arsenals.”
Arctic Strategy: High North, Low Tension
On Arctic policy, Støre reaffirmed Norway’s longstanding principle of “high north, low tension” despite increasing difficulties following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Arctic Council continues to operate at “lower intensity,” but the Prime Minister emphasized that Nordic solidarity—particularly regarding Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark—has been “very consistent and well worked out.”
A new Arctic security strategy from the seven NATO Arctic nations is expected to be reflected at the NATO summit in July. “The law of the sea applies in the north,” Støre stated firmly. “Some deal with the Arctic as though it was some kind of terra nullius. This is not an area where rules don’t apply. They apply.”
Nordic Unity and European Questions
Regarding Iceland’s upcoming referendum on restarting EU membership negotiations, Støre said he fully respects Iceland’s decision but noted that when Sweden and Finland joined the EU in 1994, it did not tilt the balance in Norway. While personally having worked for Norwegian membership in the 1994 referendum that failed, he emphasized that today’s security environment demands domestic unity.
“In today’s security environment, keeping unity in my population is important. The fact that we can support Ukraine with a unanimous vote in Parliament is quite unique. The fact that we are about to land a long-term deal on defense… also unique.”
15 Years After July 22: Democracy Returns
Reflecting on the approaching 15th anniversary of the 2011 attacks that killed 77 people, Støre noted that five of his current cabinet ministers are survivors from Utøya island. “Quite a few went on to deal with politics and be engaged, and they reached where they have come. They have been recruited because they are the best.”
He expressed concern about extremism moving “from political ideological convictions into a kind of very serious and almost perverse violence-promoting addiction efforts towards young people” on the internet. “Democracy will be strong,” he concluded.
On Russia: Europe Must Talk
While declining to speculate on when Russia might test NATO, Støre offered a notable perspective: “I believe that Europe has to talk to Russia. We cannot live in a situation on European territory where we have this war ongoing with no political contact going.”
“Norway, like Finland, we are neighboring countries. We have borders, we have waters, and we want to manage things around those borders in a safe way. Geography is there, and we have to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.”
On energy policy amid claims of war profiteering, Støre was firm: “Norway will sell these energy resources at market price. This is the only thing a small country can do. If we politicize prices, we will become in situations which will be very hard to manage.”
As the parliamentary session enters its final three weeks, with defense planning and budget revision awaiting decisions, the Prime Minister struck an optimistic tone about Norway’s ability to navigate an increasingly volatile world from its new, unified headquarters—a symbol, he hopes, of democracy’s resilience.
