Debate Continues Over Direction of Icelandic Defence Policy

2026-02-02 - 13:18

A former Icelandic defence official has raised concerns about the country’s newly adopted parliamentary defence policy. As reported by RÚV, he argues that the policy does not lead to practical changes in how Iceland would respond to security threats. What's the Story? Comments by Arnór Sigurjónsson, former director at Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs Discusses ongoing reliance on NATO and United States defence arrangements Calls for clearer roles for police and the Icelandic Coast Guard in defence Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter TF-GRÓ during emergency response training drill. Photo: Golli. Outsourcing Defence Criticised Arnór Sigurjónsson, former director of the defence office at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, wrote in an opinion article that the recent resolution passed by Alþingi does not sufficiently reflect current international conditions. He said the policy outlines general principles but leaves Iceland reliant on existing defence arrangements with NATO and the United States. “We are not going to participate in defending our country ourselves, presumably because we are so few and poor, which is an assumption that does not stand up to scrutiny,” Arnór wrote. Arnór has previously called for the establishment of domestic defence structures, including a ministry and formal military framework. He also questioned whether current agreements guarantee timely protection and said roles for the police and the Icelandic Coast Guard would need to be clearly defined if they are to take on defence-related duties.