Northern Europe

Norway Concerned about Russia’s Military Modernization and Increased Military Activity in the Arctic

By Andrea Shalal-Esa, Reuters

“I don’t think that the alliance will be irrelevant any time soon,” Norwegian Defense Minister Ine Eriksen] Soreide told Reuters.

Norway: NATO Allies Need to Address US Security Concerns Beyond Europe

By Ine Eriksen Søreide, Ministry of Defense of Norway

The transatlantic relationship and the future of NATO are at the top of the agenda for my government.

First Chemical Weapons Removed From Syria to Danish Ship

By BBC and AP

From BBC:  The first consignment of Syrian chemical weapons materials has left the country on a Danish ship.

Strategy Session with H.E. Ine Eriksen Søreide

On January 8, the Atlantic Council hosted an off-the-record strategy session with H.E. Ine Eriksen Søreide to discuss strategic priorities for Norway in relation to their partnership with the United States and their contributions to NATO. With the coming drawdown of NATO’s ISAF mission in Afghanistan and the US pivot to Asia, NATO must find […]

Strategy Session with Estonian Minister of Defense Urmas Reinsalu

The Baltic nation of Estonia is not only one of NATO’s most active members, it lives on the often tense front line of the Atlantic alliance’s complex relationship with Russia. Estonia’s key role as a US ally, and its critical place in European security affairs are why the Atlantic Council invited Defense Minister Urmas Reinsalu […]

US F-15s Take Over NATO’s Baltic Air Policing

By Lithuanian Ministry of Defense

On January 3 Belgium’s air contingent handed over NATO’s mission of ensuring security in the airspace of the Baltic States to air personnel of the United States of America operating four F-15 C Eagle fighter-jets

Chinese Military Ship Will Help Guard Destruction of Syria’s Chemical Weapons

By New York Times, Reuters, & South China Morning Post

From Jane Perlez, New York Times:  The same day that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel of the United States blasted the actions of a Chinese ship in the South China Sea as “irresponsible,” China announced that it would deploy a military ship to work with an American vessel involved in the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons.

US and NATO Allies Voice Concern over Russian Deployment of Iskander Missiles

By Steve Gutterman, Reuters

From Steve Gutterman, Reuters:  The reports caused alarm in Poland and the Baltic states, which are wary of Russian military movements after decades of dominance by the Soviet Union.

The Eastern Partnership Summit: What’s Next?

To discuss the challenges that remain for European leaders in continuing to develop the relationship with the eastern partners after Vilnius, and to articulate a vision for transatlantic cooperation on the Eastern Partnership going forward, the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Relations Program hosted a members’ conference call with H.E. Linas Linkevičius, minister of foreign affairs of […]

Denmark and Norway Offer to Transport Chemical Weapons Out of Syria

By Foreign Ministry of Norway

Based on decisions by the United Nations Security Council and the OPCW, Norway and Denmark have agreed to offer a joint contribution to the transportation of chemical warfare agents out of Syria.