[Source/Observer Network Chen Sijia] According to a May 8 Reuters report, the Norwegian government proposed its first national security strategy on the same day, planning to strengthen security relations with Nordic neighbors and European allies. The new strategy indicates that Norway's foreign policy is undergoing a transformation. Although Norway still attaches importance to developing its relationship with the United States, due to the instability of US-European relations, Norway hopes to deepen cooperation with European countries.

This national security strategy document states: "The relationship between the United States and Europe has changed... unconventional and confrontational policies, including major changes in trade policy, have brought considerable uncertainty to transatlantic relations, and the extensive U.S. military presence in Europe is not inevitable."

The Norwegian government said they will spend more time deepening relations with other European countries. Outside the Nordic region, Norway will seek closer cooperation with countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The document states: "Through our cooperation, we aim to ensure that the EU and NATO complement each other."

Norway is not a member of the EU and is therefore not guided by the EU's foreign and security policies.

However, this strategy also acknowledges that Norway's defense depends on U.S. support, and "our security cooperation should be based on the lasting interests of both Norway and the United States." TV2 Norway reported that the Norwegian government announced it would further develop strategic cooperation with the U.S. in intelligence, special forces, and space activities, and promote joint investment through new defense cooperation supplementary agreements.

Screenshot of Norwegian Prime Minister Støre

Norwegian Prime Minister Støre stated that the new strategy sets the direction and priorities for enhancing Norway's security agenda, clearly defining the national security interests that Norway must promote and protect. "The world has become more dangerous and unpredictable, requiring a broad and comprehensive national security strategy to address this situation. We must work together and do everything possible to ensure Norway's security."

Støre claimed that Norway and Europe are facing "the most serious security threats since World War II." He specifically mentioned Russia, accusing it of being a "more dangerous and unpredictable neighbor," and claimed preparations were needed for potential "military threats" from Russia.

Reuters pointed out that as one of the founding members of NATO, Norway has always been the most Atlanticist country in NATO. However, the latest national security strategy shows that Norway's foreign policy is undergoing a transformation. Due to the unpredictability of transatlantic relations, although Norway still values NATO and is committed to developing its relationship with the United States, Norway now places greater emphasis on deepening security relations with European allies.

Since Trump returned to the White House, relations between the U.S. and Europe have gradually deteriorated, and European countries have begun seeking to摆脱 reliance on American security. In March, European Commission President von der Leyen announced that the EU plans to invest 800 billion euros to enhance European defense capabilities and increase support for Ukraine, creating "a safe and resilient Europe."

On April 29, Von der Leyen stated in her speech at the European People's Party conference that as the U.S. moves away from its security commitments, the EU must take responsibility for its own defense. "The threat posed by Russia will not disappear, and we know that the U.S. is increasingly focusing on other regions. Therefore, there is no doubt that Europe's peace requires us to take greater responsibility for our own defense."

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502053603562930742/

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