Norway’s evolving security landscape took center stage at the 2026 Security Forum South, where policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and defense officials gathered to discuss rising geopolitical threats and regional preparedness across the Nordic-Baltic region.
The forum, held during Norway’s “Total Defence” year, focused on strengthening cooperation between governments, local authorities, NATO partners, businesses, and academic institutions to respond to increasingly complex security risks. Discussions addressed hybrid threats, regional defense coordination, civil preparedness, and the growing importance of resilience in times of geopolitical instability.
The event brought together representatives from NATO, the European Union, and Baltic Sea nations alongside Norwegian defense and preparedness actors. Senior officials from foreign affairs and defense ministries joined experts to examine how Norway and neighboring countries are adapting security policies to a rapidly changing strategic environment.
Among the speakers was Louise Olsson from the Peace Research Institute Oslo, who participated in a panel on Nordic and Northern European defense cooperation. She discussed shifts in Swedish attitudes toward NATO and the European Union in response to changing geopolitical realities and increasing regional security pressures.
Olsson highlighted the importance of understanding how different threat perceptions influence public willingness to support defense initiatives and national preparedness. She also stressed that high public trust in state institutions and defense systems remains a critical strategic asset for Nordic countries.
The conference featured contributions from diplomats and defense officials, including representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and European partners. Discussions emphasized the growing need for coordinated responses to hybrid threats, cyber risks, and broader regional instability.
Security Forum South, organized annually in Norway, serves as a platform for dialogue on defense, preparedness, and international cooperation in Northern Europe. This year’s discussions reflected increasing concern about regional security challenges and the importance of stronger partnerships across the Nordic-Baltic area.
