Atlantic Future Forum 2026 Co-Hosts Statement

On 11-12 November, representatives from 30 countries across Europe and the Atlantic convened in Oslo at the invitation of the United Kingdom and Norway. Hosted aboard HMS Prince of Wales following its participation in NATO's Arctic Sentry, which reinforced collective defence in the Arctic and High North, discussions focused on shared security in this region. . With interventions from over 50 political and military leaders, government officials and industry leaders, participants recognised that at a time when global security is under strain, upholding unity has never been more critical.

Participants reaffirmed that NATO remains the foundation of collective security. They underlined the importance of a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO and welcomed the growing political and military leadership role of European Allies and Canada in strengthening credible deterrence and defence. The recent signing of the new Northern Navies Framework on 10 November by the Joint Expeditionary Force Naval Chiefs is testament to this cooperation. The importance of maritime security and upholding international law at sea, as enshrined in UNCLOS, was agreed as essential to the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic region.

Russian aggression presents a prevalent, growing and evolving threat, and Ukraine's security is fundamental to Euro-Atlantic security. Participants were clear that they will continue to support Ukraine to defend its sovereignty and reach a just and lasting peace. They also recognised the importance of increasing the exchange of tactical and operational experience on modern warfare, including total defence and technological innovation, and applying lessons learned from Ukraine to future capability development.

Participants also recognised that strengthening national resilience is a core component of deterrence and defence. They underlined the value of whole-of-society approaches, drawing on Nordic and Allied experience of total defence, and the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, strengthening preparedness and reinforcing cooperation across government, industry and civil society.

Greater European responsibility must be underpinned by sustained investment and stronger industrial and technological partnerships. Participants endorsed the need to ramp up production, accelerate innovation and give industry the clear signals and support it needs to invest. This includes strengthening the European defence industrial base, supporting NATO requirements and enabling start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises alongside traditional primes to bring new technology into capability faster.

Finally, participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen resilience, deterrence and defence across the Euro-Atlantic. Through stronger European cooperation, continued support for Ukraine and deeper industrial and technological partnerships, Europe is taking greater responsibility for its security and strengthening NATO's ability to respond to an increasingly contested security environment.