Norway’s Prime Minister to open Nordic debate on crisis preparedness in Oslo

Europe’s security policy landscape has changed in recent years. War in our neighbourhoods, hybrid threats, pandemics, and disruptions to global supply chains have all placed preparedness and societal security high on the political agenda in the Nordics.

The Nordic Region is closely integrated, with cross-border labour markets, infrastructure, and supply chains. This makes matters of co-operation and freedom of movement deeply relevant in efforts relating to crisis preparedness.

The Nordic Council’s four committees, the Presidium, and the five party groups will come together over the two-day Theme Session. The primary debate of the Theme Session takes place on 17 April and will see Nordic parliamentarians debate how the Nordics can strengthen their joint crisis preparedness. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will open the debate.

The Finnish and Ålandic joint programme for the presidency of the Nordic Council in 2026 places Nordic overall security at the top of the agenda, which a clear perspective on the future and on action. The programme forms the basis for an holistic understanding of preparedness and the interrelation between the military, economic, and social dimensions.

Transport, infrastructure, security of health, and mobility are also highlighted as key areas in relation to security of supply and crisis management, requiring strengthened Nordic co-operation in these areas.

The Theme Session debate on Nordic crisis preparedness is open to the media and will take place on 17 April in the Storting Chamber from 08:45 to 11:15. The debate is titled “Are the Nordics prepared for crises? Flexible co-operation and freedom of movement as the basis for Nordic resilience.”

Journalists who are interested in covering the debate can apply for accreditation here: 

There will be brief doorstep interviews with the Prime Minister of Norway and President of the Nordic Council after the debate.

The debate from the Storting will be streamed live at norden.org, where you can follow discussions on how the Nordics can stand stronger together in the face of crises.