Norway - USA Defense Agreement Undermining Norwegian Sovereignty

Skjǫldrinn rejects the agreement

Norway has adopted a new defense agreement with the USA, allowing for two “agreed areas” in the High North. The agreement’s opening up for wide US authority is problematized by Norway’s top military and civilian prosecution authority.

On 3 June 2022, the Norwegian parliament Stortinget voted to adopt a new defense agreement with the USA, as well as a law proposal as to how to conduct this. Both proposals were adopted against the votes of SV (Socialist Left) and Rødt (the Red Party).

The agreement has come following an American initiative, and the USA has argued that the adoption of the new agreement is an “indispensable precondition” for making new infrastructure investments in Norway.

According to the agreement, the USA will have unconditional right to access and use of four “agreed areas”. In Northern Norway, the two areas in question are Ramsund Naval Base and Evenes Air Base.

So-called “agreed areas” are basically limited places to be used jointly by the USA, Norway, and other allies for military purposes. In these areas, the USA can conduct training and exercise, deploy forces and store equipment, supplies, and other gear.