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Minister presents defense and security policy in parliament

Government of Iceland - Ministry for Foreign Affairs

07 November 2025

Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs, presented yesterday in Alþingi (the Icelandic Parliament) a parliamentary resolution proposal on a defense and security policy.

This marks Iceland's first formal policy on defense issues and is based on recommendations from a consultation group of MPs appointed in March to discuss the content and priorities of the policy.

The resolution addresses the security environment and the challenges Iceland faces, both in the short and long term, with an emphasis on external threats. Thirteen key priorities for defense and security policy are outlined.

The policy reaffirms that the main pillars of Iceland's defense are its membership in NATO and the 1951 bilateral defense agreement with the United States. Regional and bilateral cooperation with neighboring countries and key allies within NATO supports and strengthens these two pillars. The policy discusses strengthening domestic capabilities and preparedness, emphasizing the need to ensure that Iceland has the human resources, plans, infrastructure, and equipment necessary to meet security challenges and fulfill its international obligations.

"We are living in a time of great uncertainty in international affairs, and Iceland's security environment has deteriorated rapidly in recent years. Like other European countries, Iceland must face this reality and take action to safeguard the nation's security and contribute to the collective defense of NATO member states. This involves reinforcing the security, defense, and resilience of Icelandic society. The policy has been shaped through broad political consensus, which is crucial when the nation's security and defense are at stake. I welcome the informed and constructive debate that took place in Parliament today, which provides valuable momentum for the next steps in this work," said Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Executive Summary in English of the report of parliamentary consultative panel.