Author: Jakub M. Godzimirski, Ole Martin Stormoen, Damian Szacawa, Tomasz Obremsk

The NorPolFactor 3 report examines Poland and Norway’s evolving security strategies within their regional strategic contexts, focusing on their responses to Russian aggression, role in exisitng formats, and multilateral defense cooperation. Both countries recognize the importance of strong alliances to counterbalance their security vulnerabilities, though they adopt different approaches based on their geographic and geopolitical circumstances. 

Poland has taken an active role in strengthening regional security through initiatives such as the Bucharest Nine (B9), the Visegrad Group (V4), the Weimar Triangle, and the Three Seas Initiative (3SI). These partnerships allow Poland to enhance military coordination, infrastructure development, and economic resilience in Eastern and Central Europe. Additionally, Poland has cultivated strong bilateral security ties with major Western allies, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and South Korea, facilitating weapons procurement, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises. However, Poland lacks membership in institutionalized or operationalized frameworks to the north, whereas Norway is part of such structures, highlighting a potential gap to be filled.

Norway, despite not being a member of the European Union, maintains a strong security posture within NATO and through its collaborations with the UK, the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Nordic-Baltic states. The country places significant emphasis on Arctic and maritime defense, recognizing the increasing strategic competition in the High North. Norway is actively involved in multilateral defense initiatives such as the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), and the Framework Nations Concept (FNC), all of which contribute to rapid response capabilities and regional security cohesion. With Sweden and Finland joining NATO, Norway anticipates even closer defense coordination across the Nordic region, particularly in air and maritime security.

Military cooperation between Poland and Norway has grown significantly as both nations advocate for a stronger NATO presence in Eastern Europe and the Arctic. Poland continues to push for increased defense spending and a larger NATO footprint along its border, while Norway plays a crucial role in monitoring Russian naval movements and strengthening transatlantic ties. However, there are significant challenges that each country faces within the broader European security landscape. Poland remains concerned about Western European reluctance to take a firm stance against Russia, while Norway must balance its security commitments with its economic dependence on energy exports and regional stability concerns. Additionally, internal divisions within NATO and the EU—such as Hungary’s more conciliatory stance toward Russia—pose obstacles to forming a fully united European security strategy.

Both Poland and Norway recognize the necessity of stronger regional security cooperation to counter Russian aggression and reduce reliance on external actors. Their evolving defense strategies focus on transatlantic ties, multilateral military engagement, and national military development. As Europe faces growing uncertainty regarding U.S. security commitments and the broader shift in global power dynamics, Poland and Norway’s proactive approaches will be essential in shaping the future of European defense architecture.

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