King Philippe and Queen Mathilde Visit Norway: Energy and Defense Cooperation

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde continued their visit to Norway with a stop in Stavanger, where climate, clean energy and defense cooperation were at the center of the royal trip.

The Belgian royal couple received a warm welcome from Crown Prince Haakon as they continued their tour of Norway. Their visit highlighted the growing cooperation between Belgium and Norway in both clean energy projects and strategic defense.

Norway Plays a Key Role in Carbon Capture

Although Norway is well known for its oil and gas industry, the country has also become an important partner in Belgium’s efforts to develop carbon capture and storage projects.

One major initiative involves transporting carbon dioxide from Belgium to Norway for permanent storage beneath the North Sea.

The project is expected to begin with the development of a pipeline network connecting the port of Zeebrugge with secure underground storage sites beneath the North Sea.

The Belgian federal government has approved a bilateral agreement establishing the legal and technical framework for the initiative. The cooperation is designed to support the development of cross-border infrastructure for transporting and storing captured carbon dioxide.

For Belgium, the partnership represents an important step in its efforts to reduce industrial emissions while making use of Norway’s experience and infrastructure in carbon storage.

Defense Is Another Major Focus

Defense cooperation is also playing a central role during the royal visit.

Belgium and Norway are both founding members of NATO, and the two countries continue to cooperate on European and collective security.

Norway faces growing security challenges along its northern border with Russia, an area located above the Arctic Circle. In response to the changing security environment, Norway has designated 2026 as a year focused on “total defense,” with an emphasis on preparing citizens and institutions to respond to major crises and potential wartime situations.

The approach goes beyond the military and involves strengthening society’s ability to continue operating during serious emergencies.

Belgium and Norway Cooperate on Air Defense

Military cooperation between the two countries also includes advanced defense systems.

One important example is NASAMS, an air defense system developed through cooperation between Norwegian and American companies. The system is designed to protect areas and critical infrastructure against aerial threats.

Belgium is scheduled to receive its first NASAMS units next year.

During their visit, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are also expected to attend a practical demonstration of the system alongside the ministers accompanying them.

The demonstration will highlight the military ties between Belgium and Norway and their shared commitment to NATO’s collective defense.

A Visit Focused on the Future

The Stavanger stop shows how the relationship between Belgium and Norway extends beyond traditional diplomatic ties.

Climate cooperation, carbon capture and storage, energy infrastructure and military security are increasingly becoming interconnected areas of cooperation between European allies.

For Belgium, Norway offers experience in both energy and security, while the two countries share a broader interest in strengthening European resilience and NATO cooperation.

The royal visit therefore brings together two major priorities facing Europe today: reducing emissions and preparing for a more uncertain security environment.