State Visit to Norway: a reliable ally in energy and defence

Energy and defence were at the centre of a state visit to Norway. Both nations seek to transform the North Sea into a renewable power plant and to utilise the depleted Norwegian gas and oil fields for CO₂ storage. Belgium is not only purchasing an air defence system from Norway but also aims to cooperate closely with Norway in the field of defence.

Over recent years, global security has declined. In addition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which has now been ongoing for four years – the war waged by the US and Israel against Iran broke out on 28 February 2026. Gas and oil prices were pushed to record highs, increasing the uncertainty of our future.

Such fragile times demand reliable and resilient alliances. Norway is one such steadfast North Sea neighbour. Not only are the two royal families closely related (see box), but the Scandinavian country also contributes significantly in the fields of energy and defence. It also, like our country, stands firmly for multilateralism — the willingness to resolve issues within an international framework — and a rules-based international order.

An economic mission to Norway, led by Princess Astrid, took place in 2024. At that time, the focus was, among other things, on the green energy transition. The recent state visit — from 24 to 26 March 2026 — built on this and added an important defence component. Below we will take a closer look at the four main themes.

Energy supply

Our Scandinavian neighbour is a major supplier of oil and, in particular, gas. Around 36% of the natural gas used in Belgium is supplied directly from Norway to Zeebrugge via the Zeepipe, a 814 km long pipeline.

However, substantial volumes of gas destined for the rest of Europe also pass through the Zeepipe. This positions Belgium, with its ports, terminals, and pipelines, as the primary gateway for Norwegian gas to mainland Europe. Both countries aim to further harness this potential to strengthen Europe’s energy supply against external shocks.

Storage of CO₂

The vast depleted gas and oil fields beneath Norway’s territorial waters offer enormous potential for storing captured CO₂. In theory, capacity could reach around 80 billion tonnes. Furthermore, Norway has 30 years of experience in the safe storage of this greenhouse gas.

However, large-scale storage of this kind is only viable if a sufficient supply can be ensured. This is precisely where Belgium can play a crucial role. Several large companies in Belgium, in the lime, steel, cement, and chemical industries, among others, struggle to achieve CO₂ neutrality even with their greatest efforts. By safely storing their CO₂ in Norway, these companies could still meet their climate targets.

However, our country can also serve as a gateway to Europe. For example, French and German industries could transport their surplus carbon dioxide to Norway via our network. A separate CO₂ pipeline could even be laid on the North Sea seabed for this purpose, right alongside the Zeepipe. The Belgian company Fluxys would be responsible for the onshore infrastructure, whilst the Norwegian company Equinor would be responsible for the pipeline.

During the state visit, a high-level forum on Carbon Capture & Storage and Energy Security was held in Stavanger, a coastal city in south-west Norway. Both countries have also signed an agreement establishing the legal framework for the capture and storage of industrial CO₂.

The North Sea as a power plant

We urgently need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel imports. This is why both North Sea countries aim to work together to transform the North Sea into a genuine renewable power plant. In doing so, they are putting the Ostend Declaration (2024) into action, which sets ambitious targets for wind energy. The latter were, incidentally, confirmed in January 2026 in Hamburg (Germany).

Interestingly, the wind patterns over the North Sea near Norway and Belgium are complementary: when winds are lighter here, they are stronger in the north, and vice versa. This enables us to balance fluctuations in wind energy production and stabilise the supply.

The offshore installation vessel Norse Wind from the Belgian company DEME is almost emblematic of this collaboration. The vessel was specially designed to install gigantic wind turbines (and their foundations) at sea. These giants have rotors with diameters exceeding 300 metres, mounted on towers weighing more than 3,000 tonnes. Moreover, its 3,200-tonne crane can operate in water up to 70 metres deep.

The royal couple boarded the Norse Wind along with Crown Prince Haakon, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, and Flemish Minister-President Mathias Diependaele. DEME acquired the vessel in 2025 following its takeover of the Norwegian company Havfram, thereby strengthening its position in the offshore wind energy market.

Norwegian air defence

Norway is crucial to our security. Together with Belgium, it helps protect critical infrastructure, energy connections, and digital cables in the North Sea, one of the most strategic maritime zones in the world.

It also plays a unique role within NATO. Due to its location near Russia and the Arctic, an area in which China is also interested, it keeps watch over the northern flank of the alliance.

With several wars occurring simultaneously, our country faces an urgent need for air defence. This enables us, among other measures, to safeguard our ports and airports. Interestingly, Norway has developed a highly advanced air defence system: NASAMS, the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System.

NASAMS is a mobile system capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters, large drones, and cruise missiles, with a range of up to 50 km. In Stavanger, our royal couple, together with Defence Minister Theo Francken and others, was able to see a NASAMS in action.

Belgium is not only purchasing 10 NASAMS air defence batteries via the Netherlands, but has also signed a letter of intent to cooperate more closely. In this way, we can shift from being a buyer to becoming a full partner, with Belgian companies offering their expertise.

A safer, greener and more resilient Europe

As with every state visit, there was ample opportunity for convivial discussions between the heads of state and the ministers of both countries. Once again, it demonstrated the value of such visits. This was also reflected in the roughly 30 business leaders and 17 academics who accompanied the dignitaries.

The state visit required months of preparation, including by our Federal Public Service. Our embassy in the capital, Oslo, played a particularly important role. The successful visit confirmed the deep ties between the two countries in terms of energy, security, innovation, and humanitarian efforts. Together, they are helping to build a safer, greener, and more resilient Europe.