On May 22, Norway announced the easing of long-standing self-imposed restrictions on NATO training near its border with Russia. The shift, unveiled during a high-level meeting of Nordic defense chiefs in Kirkenes, paves the way for expanded military exercises in Finnmark, a region historically sensitive due to its proximity to Russia’s heavily militarized Kola Peninsula.

The policy change marks a significant evolution of Norway’s defense stance, originally shaped in 1949 to avoid provoking Moscow. “This amendment is a natural development following the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO,” said Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik. “It enables strengthened cooperation through increased training and exercises with allied forces in the north.”

NATO Presence to Grow in the Arctic North

The announcement came as top commanders from Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark convened to discuss Arctic security and military mobility. With Sweden and Finland now NATO members, Norway’s previous restrictions appeared increasingly outdated.

Local officials welcomed the shift. “All of Norway must be defended, and then all of Norway must be open to training,” said Magnus Mæland, Mayor of Sør-Varanger, which borders Russia. He noted that Finland already conducts training close to the border, calling the restrictions “pointless.”

While specifics remain under wraps, changes are expected to include increased overflights in eastern Finnmark, port access for allied naval vessels, and troop movements between training areas in northern Norway and Finnish Lapland. Finnish armored units already participated in NATO's Nordic Response 2024 exercises, underscoring the region's growing strategic role.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Norway's Ramsund Naval Station and Evenes Air Base the same day, reinforcing the alliance’s renewed Arctic focus.

Despite the shift, Norwegian officials underscored their commitment to stability in the High North. “We remain a predictable and responsible neighbor,” said Sandvik, highlighting continuity in defense policy even as regional dynamics evolve.

Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that NATO’s new Combined Air Operations Centre for the North will be based in Bodø, further anchoring allied presence in Arctic Norway.