King Haakon VIII names Poland among key allies in first throne speech to Norwegian parliament
Opening the 171st session of the Storting, King Haakon VIII of Norway called for stronger ties with European allies, sustained defense support for Ukraine, and tighter immigration rules.
Opening of the 171st Storting session
King Haakon VIII opened the 171st session of the Norwegian parliament, the Storting, on 2 October 2026. The opening ceremony served as the monarch's first formal speech from the throne since acceding to the throne on 28 August 2026, following the death of his father, King Harald V. Delivering the annual address to the Storting is among the most solemn constitutional duties of the Norwegian head of state. Haakon VIII attended the parliamentary assembly accompanied by his daughter and heir, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra. Queen Mette-Marit did not attend the Friday proceedings in Oslo due to an infection following a lung transplant. The royal palace previously stated that the queen had undergone successful surgery in June 2026 for advanced pulmonary fibrosis, after which she had begun a gradual return to official engagements.
- Queen Mette-Marit undergoes a lung transplant for advanced pulmonary fibrosis
- Haakon VIII accedes to the throne following the death of King Harald V
- King Haakon VIII delivers his first throne speech to open the 171st Storting session
Strategic alliances and global trade instability
International relations and cross-border commerce formed a central theme of the monarch's address. Haakon VIII pointed directly to three external risks confronting Norway, citing Russia's war against Ukraine, the unpredictability of United States policy, and expanding trade barriers across the global economy. In response to these international pressures, the king stated that Oslo plans to intensify cooperation with key partners across Europe and North America. The throne speech singled out Poland alongside long-standing allies, identifying the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, and Canada as the primary states with which Norway will pursue closer strategic and diplomatic ties.
Norway is also strengthening cooperation with key allies in Europe and North America, such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, and Canada.
Arctic defense and sustained assistance for Ukraine
Turning to national defense and regional security, Haakon VIII outlined plans to continue the expansion of the Norwegian armed forces. The monarch stated that the country will reinforce its security presence and defensive posture across the northern regions of Norway. In addition to bolstering domestic territorial defense, Haakon VIII pledged that Norway will maintain high levels of military, civil, and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine to counter ongoing Russian aggression. The king characterized the security environment in Europe as the most dangerous and demanding situation confronting the continent in decades.
We are facing the most serious security policy situation since World War II.
Domestic policy and integration standards for migrants
On the domestic front, Haakon VIII presented the government's policy directions regarding immigration and social integration. The monarch announced that the state will impose more rigorous requirements on foreign nationals seeking to take up residence in Norway. The king outlined specific expectations for incoming residents, noting that integration policy will emphasize three core areas: acquiring the Norwegian language, taking part in community and social life, and securing employment. Haakon VIII stated that arriving individuals will encounter clearer rules designed to ensure active participation in Norwegian society.
People arriving in Norway will face clearer requirements and expectations to learn Norwegian, participate in social life, and take up work.
