In December last year, Viðreisn leader Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir stepped into the role as Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs a time of global upheaval. We sat down with her for a Q&A to learn more about her vision for Iceland’s foreign policy, the country’s evolving role in NATO and the Arctic and how small states can lead with principle on the world stage.
This interview was originally published in ALDE Party's Liberal Bulletin in June 2025. Click here to read the full publication.
Q: As new Minister of Foreign Affairs, what unique perspective do you bring to Iceland’s foreign policy at this critical time? What motivates your approach to diplomacy and security?
TKG: My perspective has been shaped by years in politics and a deep belief in liberal democratic values, gender equality and international cooperation.
At this critical time, marked by growing global instability, climate urgency and shifting power dynamics, Iceland’s voice must be clear, principled and proactive. My approach to diplomacy is rooted in the idea that small states can have a strong impact when they lead with integrity, consistency and courage. Iceland has long championed human rights, rule of law and sustainable development, and I intend to strengthen our role in defending those values multilaterally and regionally.
Q: Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic places it at the heart of regional security. How do you see Iceland's role evolving in response to increased geopolitical tensions?
TKG: Iceland is strategically located in the heart of the GIUK gap, the vital corridor between Greenland, Iceland and the UK connecting the Atlantic and Arctic. Our location was crucial to our Allies in World War II and played a key role for NATO throughout the Cold War. This is still true today but heightened by the growing significance of the Arctic. That is why it is essential for Iceland to engage in defence cooperation efforts that directly impact us, particularly NATO activities in the North Atlantic and the High North. We are also stepping up our work in regional bodies through Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and more cooperation with regional Allies.
Q: As a founding NATO member without a standing army, how do you see Iceland strengthening its role in NATO, given rising global instability?
TKG: Like other NATO members, Iceland is strengthening its defence, and the first step is the ongoing work to formulate a security and defence policy for Iceland. The policy will describe our security challenges, with an emphasis on external threats, highlight Iceland's goals for international security and defence cooperation and discuss the necessary defence preparedness, as well as the organisation and capabilities we need to put in place. It will also point out possible reforms to the legal and institutional framework for defence. The policy will be submitted the policy to Althingi, our Parliament, later this year.
Our single biggest contribution to NATO is, and always has been, Iceland‘s geographical location and the facilities we provide here in Iceland. We operate the Icelandic integrated air defence system and provide host nation support at the Keflavík Air Base. We monitor air traffic across a wide area surrounding the country and support our allies in monitoring ocean activity. We also send experts to NATO military commands in Europe and North America, and to NATO's forces in the Baltic States, to support the Alliance's capabilities and ensure common defence interests.
Q: The Arctic is becoming flash point for international interest and competition. How does Iceland balance commitments to peace and sustainability with addressing security concerns?
TKG: Iceland’s national Arctic policy remains clear, underlining our steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and low tension in the Arctic. However, recent developments have significantly heightened the importance of security and defence issues in the Arctic debate.
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, cooperation between Arctic states, except for Russia, has taken on a new form in the field of security and defence. Iceland has been an active participant in this and has advocated for the seven like-minded Arctic states to take the lead in policymaking and discussion on security and defence issues in the Arctic internationally, in accordance with their obligations and rights under international law. Our cooperation has promoted transparency, predictability and clear communication, which strengthen deterrence and help reduce tensions in the region.
Q: With heightened geopolitical uncertainty, how does Iceland plan to deepen its partnerships with NATO, Nordic neighbours, and other allies like the EU?
TKG: In recent years, growing international turmoil has made it more important than ever to strengthen cooperation with the European Union, where our closest partners and key trading relationships lie. Regional defence cooperation has grown significantly in recent years, especially through NORDEFCO and JEF. This is an important complement to, and directly supports, our partnership with NATO and the United States vis-à-vis our bilateral defence agreement from 1951.