Norway’s foreign minister has called for NATO to treat Russia’s militarized Arctic frontier as a top strategic priority, urging more surveillance and investment as regional tensions intensify.

Speaking to Euractiv, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed the strategic importance of the Kola Peninsula, located just 30 kilometers from Norway’s town of Kirkenes. Describing it as “the largest concentration of nuclear weapons anywhere on the planet,” Eide said the area is “not only Norway’s concern but NATO’s concern.”

He warned that in the event of East-West conflict, the Arctic would be the fastest route for intercontinental missiles and air operations, making the region a flashpoint of global significance.

Rising NATO Presence in the Far North

Eide predicted that NATO will increase its presence in the Arctic with more exercises, surveillance operations, and investments in communications infrastructure. “The security outlook looks more like the Cold War than the 90s,” he said, noting that the shift from concern over failing states back to functioning military powers makes Arctic defense urgent again.

He emphasized that while Norway welcomes greater NATO involvement, it does not support permanent foreign military bases on its territory. Instead, Norway favors regular joint operations and pre-positioning of assets.

Rethinking NATO Defense Spending Targets

Eide also weighed in on a proposal to raise NATO’s defense spending goal to 5% of GDP, a figure reportedly favored by Donald Trump. He suggested a hybrid model: 3.5% in direct military spending and 1.5% for dual-use and non-military security infrastructure like civilian airports adaptable for military use.

He acknowledged criticism that such accounting may artificially inflate defense contributions but argued for transparency and a clear breakdown. “We should recognize openly that there are enabling capacities that are not military per se,” Eide said.

Strategic Patience and Provocation Management

Though open to foreign NATO troop rotations, Norway insists on managing some defense responsibilities solo to avoid provoking Russia. Maritime patrols, submarine monitoring, and intelligence gathering are among the tasks Norway believes it should handle independently within the alliance framework.

Eide concluded that while the 3.5% military target remains “very tough,” it is still within reach for many NATO members, provided there is political will and flexible interpretation of contributions.