Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen held meetings this week in Brussels with representatives from NATO and the European Union. The discussions focused on national resilience in an allied context, hybrid threats, emergency preparedness, and strengthening civil defence capabilities.
Photo: EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Bartjan Wegter and Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen. (Photo: Norway’s Delegation to the EU)
“We need to enhance our situational awareness in these uncertain times, where the use of complex and combined instruments increasingly affects us. These are issues we discuss best with our closest allies and partners in NATO and the EU,” said Minister Aas-Hansen.
The visit is part of the government’s follow-up to the Total Preparedness White Paper and the National Security Strategy, and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Norway’s civil security and preparedness. The Minister of Justice and Public Security holds a special responsibility for coordinating the government’s work on hybrid threats, as well as safeguarding Norway’s interests in societal security and preparedness in cooperation with NATO and the EU.
“The world has, in a relatively short time, become significantly more dangerous and unpredictable. We are facing the most serious security situation since the Second World War. The Labour government is clear that our security is best ensured through close cooperation with others.
– In the Total Preparedness White Paper, we emphasize the importance of close international collaboration on national security and hybrid threats. As Minister of Justice and Public Security, I follow up on this responsibility by ensuring we have an updated understanding of the situation — to guide our priorities in preserving, defending, and promoting our fundamental security interests,” Aas-Hansen said.
NATO and the EU are both evolving rapidly as foreign policy actors with growing influence in the areas under the Minister’s responsibility.
“Close and constructive cooperation with NATO and the EU is crucial for Norway’s national security and preparedness. Increasingly, the work to strengthen civil protection and resilience is being carried out through the EU. Therefore, it is vital for Norway to be actively engaged,” the Minister said.
NATO is placing greater emphasis on resilience, civil preparedness, and civil-military cooperation. As an ally, Norway has a responsibility to contribute to strengthening NATO as a whole.
Strengthening NATO also involves reinforcing civilian capabilities that support NATO’s operational planning. Civil resilience is a key part of this work.
This includes efforts to improve allies’ ability to support defence operations — for example, through Host Nation Support, the implementation of NATO’s planning requirements, and the 1.5 percent target agreed at the Hague Summit.
“NATO looks to Norway and the work we are doing — partly because we already perform well in this area, and partly because NATO prioritizes resilience in the alliance’s northern regions. This is in Norway’s interest, and we are actively working both within NATO and domestically to strengthen cooperation between the military and civilian sectors. This supports the government’s overarching goal: ensuring security and safety for Norway in uncertain times,” said Aas-Hansen.