Norwegian Annual Threat Assessment 2008

The Annual Threat Assessment outlines the anticipated developments within PST’s areas of responsibility. It focuses on threats that may influence Norwegian security or harm important national interests. The assessment is based on PST’s operational activity and information from equivalent services and related institutions.

The main emphasis of the report relates to the emerging threats of terrorism and radical Islamic groups. Developments in Europe influence the situation in Norway, and the potential threat to Norwegian security must therefore be viewed in a European perspective. PST fears that Norway is host to radical groups supporting terrorist activities abroad by transferring money to groups or people who are presumed to be affiliated with radical Islamic organizations.

Increased radicalization makes the national security assessment more unpredictable. PST expects people who have become radicalized to more easily acquire the capability to harm society. Radicalization will make extreme Islamic groups more likely to respond negatively to controversial political issues in Norway. Norwegian participation in the NATO-operation in Afghanistan makes Norwegian interests a legitimate target for radical Islamic groups.

Other threats mentioned in the report include extreme left- and right-wing groups and violent animal protection groups, although none of them pose a significant threat to Norwegian interests. Foreign states’ intelligence on Norway and Norwegian interests remains on a persistently high level. This intelligence activity is primarily directed towards the petroleum industry, and the government’s resource management policies.

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Annual Threat Assessment 2008 by PST (in Norwegian)