Iceland’s FM announces defence review, calls revamped security policy ‘urgent’
Iceland’s foreign minister is sounding the alarm on national security, announcing an accelerated review of the country’s defence and security policy.
“The need for strengthening security and defense is urgent, and I have therefore accelerated this policy development, which will be carried out in collaboration with all parties in the Althingi [Iceland’s parliament],” Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir said in a statement posted on the government’s website.
A government policy statement from Dec. 21 2024 said that a security and defence policy would be formulated. But on Tuesday, Gunnarsdóttir unveiled a proposal to fast-track the process to better protect Iceland from growing global threats.
While her statement didn’t provide the specific challenges she saw to the country’s security, the announcement comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in Europe, fueled by factors such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, discussions within the U.S. administration about possibly withdrawing from NATO, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s recurring comments on taking control of Greenland, Iceland’s neighbor.
Enhanced cooperation with NATO and other allies envisioned
To better navigate changing political dynamics, Gunnarsdóttir said it was important that Iceland steps up its overall security strategy.
Iceland has no standing military, but is still a NATO member and relies on the alliance for its air policing.
The the Tuesday announcement, Gunnarsdóttir said the policy review will focus on strengthening Iceland’s defences through better cooperation with NATO and other allies, as well as addressing security concerns ranging from cyber threats to military risks.
A consultative group including members from all parties in the Althingi, and experts in defence and security will all be involved.
Among the security upgrades already underway are setting up a security and defense integration centre, that will include the Coast Guard and the National Police, amongst other agencies, to better guard against drones and cyber attacks.
An unmanned surveillance submarine is also planned to allow better monitoring of infrastructure like ports and undersea cables.
“We need to ensure that the necessary knowledge, capabilities and infrastructure are in place to ensure Iceland’s security in collaboration with our allies,” Gunnarsdóttir said.
“Today, we are not only putting forward policy, but also actions.”
A final draft of the policy is expected this spring.
Comments, tips or story ideas? Contact Eilís at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Feds boost spending on northern military hubs to $2.67B, CBC News
Finland: Finnish Defence Minister tells party leaders shrinking fighter fleet would be “irresponsible”, Yle News
Greenland: Greenlanders vote in election dominated by Trump’s control pledge, Reuters
Norway: NATO’s Arctic dilemma: Two visions of the Arctic collide as NATO and Russia flex muscles, Eye on the Arctic special report
Russia: Russian gov promises new weapons while approval ratings slide, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Faced with Trump’s wavering support for NATO, Nordic nations stick together, The Independent Barents Observer
United States: U.S. experts call for ‘vigilance’ on Russian military buildup in Arctic, Alaska Public Media
