Says Iceland needs to strengthen its defenses

Iceland needs to strengthen its defense capabilities like other NATO allies, according to the Foreign Minister, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.

This is stated in an announcement on the Government's website.

NATO defense ministers met at a ministerial meeting in Brussels today, where they discussed increased defense capabilities and deterrence of the alliance and support of allied countries for Ukraine.

Demand for increased contributions

"It is clear that all allied countries are strengthening their defense capabilities and thereby their deterrence and defense. We also need to do this in close cooperation with our closest allies. It was also clear at the meeting that the demand for European countries for increased contributions and investments will only increase," foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who attended the meeting, is quoted as saying.

She is quoted as saying that it is urgent to support Ukraine to strengthen its position and ensure that Europe and Ukraine participate in all discussions on the future order of affairs.

“The meeting announced Iceland’s continued support for Ukraine’s defense, with 400 million ISK being invested in a fund for bomb detection and destruction, led by Iceland and Lithuania, and another 400 million in a project led by Denmark to support defense-related industries in Ukraine,” the announcement says.

Met with NATO Supreme Allied Commander

The meeting discussed plans and actions aimed at strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities, including increased defense contributions and strengthening the military command system.

Gunnarsdóttir met with Christopher G. Cavoli, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who is also the commander of U.S. forces in Europe.

They discussed the Alliance's defense preparedness, Iceland's contribution to collective defense, and developments in the North Atlantic and the Arctic.