Burak Bir
06 February 2026•Update: 06 February 2026
LONDON
The international order created after World War II is losing strength, which is also undermining the foundations of Norwegian security, according to Norway’s annual threat assessment on Friday.
The international institutions that were established after the Second World War are being weakened, which is shaking the foundations of Norwegian security, according to annual threat and risk assessments by the Norwegian National Security Authority, the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST), and the Norwegian Intelligence Service.
Speaking at a news conference on the annual assessment, Intelligence Chief Nils Andreas Stensones noted that Russia wants to weaken Western unity and support for Ukraine, but it lacks the economic and diplomatic tools to do so.
Norwegian critical infrastructure and the energy sector are possible targets of espionage, influence operations, and sabotage attempts by Russia, said Stensones.
He noted that US President Donald Trump's rhetoric is aimed at Greenland, part of Denmark, adding that there are no such signs aimed at Norway.
Increased tensions between the West and Russia and China are leading to an arms race, according to the report.
For his part, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik noted that 2026 has so far been characterized by "great uncertainty," partly due to Trump's statements about Greenland.
"At the same time, I believe we must separate the political challenge it poses from the threats Norway faces, namely Russia and China," he noted.
Sandvik added: "Russia poses the greatest threat to Norwegian and allied security."
Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansen said she believes that Norway and Europe must take more responsibility for their own security.
"One of the most important things we do in it is to strengthen our resilience, also on the civilian side," she added.
According to the intelligence service's report, weakened cooperation between the US and Europe could give Russia and China new opportunities to assert themselves.
In its assessment, PST also noted sabotage, influence, and cyberattack risks, stressing that major political developments around the world will have consequences in Norway.
