Norway and France Forge Closer Defense Ties With an View to the High North Norway and France recently signed a letter of intent on enhanced defense cooperation, emphasizing the significance of situational awareness and presence in the High North. "Protecting the maritime areas in Northern Europe is the key to European security," says the French minister of defense.
Norwegian PM: Shares the Total Preparedness Commission's Understanding of Severity Bodø (High North News): "I agree with the Total Preparedness Commission that the situation is severe," says Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre. At the same time, he does not consider the situation acute and emphasizes a systematic, more long-term approach to preparedness in the North. Nor will he hand out war-preparatory leaflets à la the Swedish ones.
