Norway Warns Citizens of Possible Confiscation of Property in Case of War

The Norwegian government has begun informing citizens about the possibility of property requisitioning in wartime.

The letters have no practical significance in peacetime, but warn that in the event of war, the state may requisition private property, according to euronews.

Thousands of Norwegians will receive notices informing them that their homes, cars, boats, and equipment may be seized in the event of military conflict.

“The purpose of requisitioning is to ensure that the armed forces have access to the resources necessary to defend the country in wartime,” the military said in a statement.

In 2026, they plan to send out about 13,500 such letters.

The request is valid for one year. About two-thirds of the letters sent in 2026 are extensions of previously issued permits.

“In recent years, the importance of preparedness for crises and war has increased dramatically. Norway is in its most serious security situation since World War II. Our society must be prepared for security crises and, in the worst case, war. We are carrying out a large-scale build-up of military and civil preparedness,” Anders Jernberg, head of military logistics, shared.

Norway is also developing plans to evacuate civilians from regions located near the border with Russia or those of strategic military importance.

The impetus for revising approaches to defense and security was the growing threat from Russia, which is waging a full-scale war against Ukraine and threatening other countries.

Norway, one of NATO’s founding members, has significantly strengthened its defense in recent years. The country has a maritime border and a 198-kilometer land border with Russia in the Far North.

In November, Norway announced a major security boost along this border.

The project aims to increase security and responsiveness to potential threats. It involves installing new fences, modern surveillance systems, and using drones for aerial monitoring.