Prospects for the development of Russian-Norwegian relations after the 2021 parliamentary elections in Norway

Abstract

Norway’s foreign policy towards Russia is built on two pillars. The first is to ensure and maintain national security. For Norway, this is NATO membership and close integration with European states. The second pillar is cooperation with Russia. Norway’s main challenge is to balance these pillars in a changing global environment. After the parliamentary elections in 2021 in Norway, a left-wing coalition came to power, as a result of which there was a change of government. In his statements, the new Prime Minister of Norway J.G. Støre notes the particular importance of an open and constructive dialogue with Russia and the intensification of cooperation between the two countries. Despite the mutual sanctions regime after 2014, Norway and Russia need to establish a constructive dialogue and strengthen relations in areas that meet the national interests of both states, namely cooperation in the North, environmental protection, climate change prevention, nuclear safety, fishing, etc. Recent developments in bilateral relations give some hope that the dialogue between the two countries will be conducted in a more open and trusting manner. At the same time, however, it should be borne in mind that Norway, as a NATO member, will continue to adhere to the general principles of security policy characteristic of the alliance, which may entail significant disagreements on a number of issues, including those related to the prospects for cooperation in the Arctic.