Government Indicates Shift in Foreign Policy for Iceland

2026-01-28 - 11:02

Iceland’s government is increasing resources devoted to foreign affairs as international conditions evolve, according to the country’s foreign minister. Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said greater emphasis is being placed on diplomacy, defence and regional awareness. What's the Story? Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir spoke on increased staffing at Ministry for Foreign Affairs since she took office Greater focus on defence, security and analytical capacity Emphasis on monitoring developments in Iceland’s immediate vicinity Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir Photo: Wikimedia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. CC. Security Focus Grows In an interview with Morgunblaðið, Þorgerður outlined internal changes at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, noting that staffing levels have already risen. “Since I took over the ministry, its staff has increased. We place special emphasis on defense and security issues and have strengthened the defense office, but we need to further promote knowledge and skills in defense and security issues in general. The same applies to the analytical capacity, especially on what is happening here in the immediate vicinity.” The minister indicated that shifting global dynamics require Iceland to balance a range of priorities in its external relations. She said different interests must be assessed together rather than treated separately, as the country adapts to developments closer to home as well as further afield. Iceland has no standing army but is a member of NATO and cooperates closely with allies on security matters. Recent reporting on Iceland’s international role can be found at Iceland Review.