German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on a two-day visit to Norway, focusing on energy security, Arctic cooperation, and observing NATO maneuvers.

Energy and Defense Cooperation

The main goal of the visit is to strengthen relations with Norway as a key gas supplier and partner in protecting critical infrastructure.

Visit to Andøya Spaceport

The Chancellor visited the Norwegian spaceport, emphasizing the role of satellite technology for security and climate monitoring.

NATO Maneuvers in the Arctic

Merz observes military exercises focusing on defending the Alliance's northern flank in light of geopolitical tensions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on a two-day visit to Norway, where he met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership in security and energy. The head of the German government's trip, which began on March 12, 2026, focuses on cooperation in the Arctic region and the stability of raw material supplies amid rising energy prices. Friedrich Merz emphasized Norway's importance as a key ally of Germany immediately upon arrival in Oslo. The visit's program includes high-level political talks and inspections of militarily and technologically significant facilities located above the Arctic Circle.

As part of the delegation, the Chancellor visited Andøya Spaceport, where he familiarized himself with the capabilities of the Norwegian space sector and its role in European infrastructure. Friedrich Merz also traveled to the area where NATO maneuvers are taking place, which aim to practice defense scenarios and protect strategic Arctic areas. The presence of the German leader in northern Norway is meant to demonstrate Berlin's commitment to the security of the Alliance's eastern flank and the protection of critical underwater and energy infrastructure. German-Norwegian relations strengthened after 2022, when Norway became Germany's main supplier of natural gas, replacing Russian supplies. Cooperation between the two countries is now based on building joint hydrogen infrastructure and coordinating defense actions in the North Sea. Historically, Norway has been a founding member of NATO since 1949, while West Germany joined the Alliance in 1955.

The visit takes place against the backdrop of a tense geopolitical situation and high commodity prices, which has prompted both governments to intensify talks on joint energy projects. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Chancellor Merz declared their willingness to further integrate energy markets and jointly counter hybrid threats. German media indicate that the trip above the Arctic Circle is a signal of Germany's readiness to take on greater responsibility for security in the polar region. „Bei einem Gespräch mit Ministerpräsident Jonas Gahr Støre gleich nach seiner Ankunft würdigte Merz die strategische Partnerschaft mit Norwegen” (During a conversation with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre immediately after his arrival, Merz praised the strategic partnership with Norway) — Friedrich Merz via Spiegel Online

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Mentioned People

  • Friedrich Merz — German politician (CDU), serving as the tenth Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany since May 6, 2025.
  • Jonas Gahr Støre — Norwegian politician, serving as Prime Minister of Norway since October 14, 2021.
  • Władimir Putin — President of Russia, referred to in the media as a war beneficiary.