Popular course on security and defence issues

Around 50 people have now completed an in-depth course on security and defence issues, conducted jointly by the Directorate for Defence at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. Altogether three fully subscribed courses have been held so far. 

The purpose of the course is to boost knowledge of the issues among ministry personnel as well as staff of institutions, universities and companies or organisations that deal with security and defence issues in Iceland. 

Among the topics covered in the course are Iceland’s defence cooperation, the country’s NATO membership, national security policy, defence-related projects, disinformation and hybrid threats. 

“It has never been as urgent to boost knowledge of our security and defence and to strengthen cooperation between institutions and individuals who work on these important issues,” said Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

At the latest iteration of the course, participants were introduced to Keflavik Air Base, the Icelandic Coast Guard’s air and naval capacities and the Viking Special Intervention Unit of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police. At the end, course participants attended the annual conference of the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management. 

The selection process for the next course has already begun. It is scheduled for Spring 2025, in line with an annual rhythm of two courses per year.