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On 8 September 2025, Norwegians will elect a new parliament – in a politically charged atmosphere shaped by both domestic and international tensions. The collapse of the coalition between the pro-European Labour Party (AP) and the Eurosceptic Centre Party (SP) earlier this year has shaken the political landscape. The SP withdrew from the cabinet in February after strongly opposing the implementation of several EU energy directives. Since then, the social demo-cratic Labour Party has governed alone under Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, a former conservative, reigniting na-tional debate over Norway’s overall relationship with the EU. While also the conservative party Høyre is considering closer European integration again – possibly even EU membership –, other political forces, however, remain committed to Norway’s national sovereignty or are adopting geopolitical narratives promoted by Moscow, such as the newly founded far-left party "Peace and Justice" (FOR). This divide over Europe coincides with growing concerns about the integrity of Norway’s elections. The Norwegian domestic intelligence service PST has warned of targeted foreign inter-ference from Russia, China, or Iran – particularly via disinformation and covert influence operations. This raises serious questions about the threat of media manipulation and presents Norway’s democracy with a stress test of European relevance this September. The fact that Norway is part of the Coalition of the Willing supporting the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine following the signing of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia makes this election all the more significant for Europe.
How can we explain the result of these elections? Which campaign issues will have played the decisive role? And what direction will things take afterwards?
The event "The Morning After - Norway has voted" will take place on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, from 09:30 to 10:15 (CEST) via Zoom. We look forward to discussing the topics above with Christine Leuchtenmüller, Head of the KAS Office for the Nordic Countries in Stockholm. After the conversation between Ms Leuchtenmüller and Dr Beatrice Gorawantschy, Head of the KAS Europe Office in Brussels, the audience will have the opportunity to ask their own questions. The event will be held in German, with simultaneous translation into English.
Download the agenda: Programm 25-09-09 Der Morgen danach - Norwegen hat gewählt.pdf
