Icelandic – Nordic – German cooperation in challenging times of transatlantic relations

March 26, 2026 the German Konrad‑Adenauer‑Stiftung Nordics and the Icelandic think tank Varða had the honour to host a roundtable discussion on the security architecture of the North Atlantic, focusing on Icelandic – Nordic – German cooperation in challenging times of transatlantic relations. This roundtable brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners from Iceland and across the region, exploring approaches of Icelandic-Nordic-German cooperation, focusing on the future of transatlantic relations, the role of the EU, and approaches of deepening regional cooperation beyond the EU and NATO.

With the signing of the Iceland–Germany security cooperation agreement and the formalization of Norway’s “Hansa” arrangement with Germany, allies are testing more flexible, bilateral formats for cooperation in the North Atlantic. In parallel, Iceland recently signed a Security and Defense Partnership with the EU, similar to the one Norway and the EU concluded in 2024. These shifts coincide with the ongoing attention to Greenland and NATO’s launch of Arctic Sentry, a mission that will increase allied activity in the High North. We examined what this emerging layered architecture means for Iceland, Norway, and North Atlantic security: does it deliver greater agility, stronger defences, and operational value, or does it risk duplication, coordination costs, and over-promising? We also discussed what these fast-moving initiatives suggest about how cohesion is built and sustained in a demanding strategic environment.

A sincere thank you to all experts and practitioners who contributed to such rich and nuanced discussions about the future of NATO and how to use approaches to bilateral cooperation to safeguard multilateralism. In the context of the wider conversation about Europe’s future, the Arctic, and the evolving role and strategies of small states in a changing world, the discussions focused on the Icelandic referendum on the resumption of European Union membership negotiations and its wider implications for the region and potential Nordic EU enlargement. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important dialogue and for contributing your expertise and Icelandic, Nordic, and German perspectives. Special thanks to the German embassy in Iceland for hosting us and welcoming us; we truly enjoyed continuing the exchange at your reception alongside the distinguished guests.