Opening Speech at Berlin Security Conference

Es ist mir eine große Ehre, die diesjährige Berliner Sicherheitskonferenz im Namen von Außenministerin Anniken Huitfeldt zu eröffnen. Wir sind sehr stolz und dankbar, dass wir als Partnerland an dieser wichtigen Konferenz teilnehmen dürfen. Lassen Sie mich zunächst – und dann leider auf Englisch – einige einleitende Betrachtungen mit Ihnen teilen.

Indeed, a prominent list of Norwegian participants, spearheaded by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, testifies to the strong and vibrant relations between Germany and Norway. Regardless of governments in our two capitals, our ties are flourishing and deepening. More than anything this reflects our common values, interests, and our shared outlook.

We meet in very challenging times for Europe. Russia has brought war to our doorstep. Putin’s brutal, full-scale invasion has tremendous repercussions for our continent and beyond. The fight that the Ukrainians are waging is a fight for our values, against the forces favouring a world order where military strength and power prevail.

The spill-over effects of Putin’s imperialist ambitions on the world’s most vulnerable peoples are unforgivable. Surging global food and energy prices create mass suffering.

It is a devastating blow to the efforts undertaken to foster development and stability.

Africa is severely affected. We should not forget this.  And we must continue to counter Russian malign influence and disinformation be it in Asia, Africa or elsewhere. 

Russia’s attempt to weaken Europe by deliberately cutting gas supplies has coincided with a series of incidents with the overt design of malign statecraft. Such as the disruption of the German railway system or the sabotage against the Nord Stream pipelines.

All this to sow division, create social and economic unrest. With the aim that our support to Ukraine will crumble. It is a textbook case of hybrid attacks aimed at creating more uncertainty and unpredictability.

Russia has failed on the battlefield. It has underestimated the will and determination of the Ukrainian people. It is inspiring and encouraging to see Ukraine fight for its freedom.

Our response has been one of strong support and solidarity.

Faced with the tragic events unfolding on the ground in Ukraine, allies and partners have made critical choices. Choices shaped by our principles and values. Choices made to deter Russia from contemplating any aggression beyond Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated a strong and coherent response from allies and partners. It is a transatlantic response of unity, cohesion, and solidarity.

Based on the shared conviction that Ukraine’s fight for national survival and the future of Europe are destinies bound together. Therefore, our collective support to Ukraine must continue.

Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a fundamental rethink of European security. Unprecedented security concerns have had unprecedented policy implications.

An area which notably stands out, is export or donations of weapons and military equipment.

A policy in place since the late 1950s changed only days after the war broke out.  In Norway, going back to the 1950s, it had essentially been a taboo against exporting weapons to conflict areas. Within a few days in late February, we changed that policy.

Because Norway and many other allies saw a greater cause at stake:

To give Ukraine a chance to defend herself. To stand up and resist a brutal oppressor’s desire to change borders and eliminate an independent country.

Herein also lies the origins of Germany’s Zeitenwende. A changed Europe where security has come to the forefront.  A critical juncture where peace and freedom, democracy, and the rule of law – our common values - are being severely tested. 

I believe Germany can lead the challenging transformation Europe must undergo.

On energy and the green transition, as well as security and defence policy.

As close allies we welcome the increased spending on security and defence.

More emphasis on shared investments and establishment of common European capabilities.

A stronger and more capable European defence, but at the same time intrinsically linked to transatlantic security and NATO.

These are all goals we can wholeheartedly support. This also encompasses efforts undertaken within the EU.

Hence, we follow your Zeitenwende with great interest. And I can assure you that we want to be part of this. I expect that this will be more thoroughly addressed during this conference.

Further north, Nordic defence and security cooperation is undergoing a fundamental rethink. To us this is indeed a major Zeitenwende with huge impact on our security and defence policy.

I am confident that with Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO, we are presented with new opportunities. Barriers will be removed. Potential unlocked.

It will allow us to do joint planning, to coordinate and identify new and more cost-effective areas of cooperation. Moreover, it will increase NATO’s ability to deal with contingencies and bolster our collective defence.

This will also have impact on the Baltic Sea region. The situation is more tense and unpredictable than it has been for a very long time. Increased allied presence in the Baltic States is a necessary response to the Russian aggression. Norway and Germany collaborate closely in NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania. Norway’s contribution to the German led battalion now consist of 200 troops and heavy equipment.

I am glad to note that our Nordic Chiefs of Defence will also be present here at the conference to discuss security and military challenges in the High North.

Security in the High North has strategic importance to Norway and the Alliance. We are pleased that this is clearly highlighted in NATO’s new strategic concept. A less stable and unpredictable Russia makes allied activity in this area more important. Exercise Cold Response, which took place in March-April, is a great example. Together we demonstrated our resolve and capabilities.

Norway’s goal is to preserve the High North as an area of predictability and stability. The saying “High North, low tension” remains our vision for a better future.

Nevertheless, visions can never replace hard realities and the need for preparedness.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine makes it necessary to strengthen deterrence. It has resulted in a strengthening of our defence and facilitating allied presence and training in our Northern regions.

With a long coastline comes responsibility. We take our role as Europe’s largest supplier of gas with utmost seriousness. We are keenly aware of the irresponsible high-stakes game Moscow is playing. We have strengthened our presence and preparedness around offshore installations and other critical infrastructure in Norway. And we are thankful for allied contributions, including not least from Germany.

We also have stepped up our effort to maintain necessary situational awareness. With our maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and vessels.

We are increasing our ability to follow Russian activity in the High North. This includes buying German submarines.

Dear friends and colleagues,

Our security environment has changed dramatically over the past year. We have taken unprecedented actions to adjust and support Ukraine.

Because it is about our fundamental values and our security. This is currently what is at stake. 

Thank you – vielen Dank.