Should Permanent Presence of NATO Troops Be Considered in Iceland?

The situation in Europe has dramatically changed since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. In light of the situation, Morgunblaðið asked political party leaders and representatives in Iceland whether they believe NATO troops should have a permanent presence in Iceland. Their answers are below.

Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, leader of the Progressive Party:

“NATO has already activated its contingency plans, which entail more presence, surveillance and preparedness. The Progressive Party supports Western cooperation and Iceland’s NATO membership. So does the government. It is up to NATO to assess the situation at any given time.”

Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, leader of the Reform Party:

“There is every reason to consider that, and it requires major discussion. I don’t rule out the possibility that the permanent presence of a defense force it what is needed to strengthen cooperation for the defense of Western democratic nations and Iceland’s defenses.”

Bjarni Benediktsson, leader of the Independence Party:

“Due to changes in security issues in our part of the world, the threat level has been raised. The need for further action in cooperation with NATO member nations needs to be assessed.”

Jakob Frímann Magnússon, MP for the People’s Party:

“Under the current circumstances, I believe the best we can do for our country is to strengthen Iceland’s voice and image as a peace loving democratic nation without an army — a nation that rejects and condemns violence and any sort of use of weapons.”

Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, leader of the Center Party:

“Soon after the defense forces left [Iceland in 2006], world affairs developed in a way that it became clear our part of the world couldn’t be neglected. At present, the US and NATO are bound to want to increase surveillance in our area, probably through a permanent presence.”

Gísli Rafn Ólafsson, MP for the Pirate Party:

“While Iceland is a member of NATO, it should speak for peace within the organization and elsewhere internationally. We believe Icelanders should fight against any military buildup in the North Atlantic Ocean and in the Arctic region.”

Logi Einarson, leader of the Social Democratic Alliance:

“A new situation has developed in Europe, and at any given time, Iceland’s defenses and security interests may have to be reassessed, including the permanent presence of a defense force. It will have to be a joint assessment, done by Icelandic authorities and our NATO allies.”

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, head of the Left-Green Movement:

“NATO has already activated its contingency plans, and right now the focus is in the eastern part of the continent. There are no special arguments for the permanent presence of troops here, but we can expect increased traffic through the security zone in Keflavík.”