FLASHBACK: Norwegian–Lithuanian Business Forum 2026 – The New Security Economy: Resilience, Investment and Strategic Growth on Europe’s Eastern FlankThe forum explored how the changing security landscape is shaping Europe’s future, highlighting the importance of national preparedness, critical infrastructure protection, industrial capacity, innovation and new investment opportunities.
The forum opened with welcoming remarks from:
– Robertas Kaunas, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania
– Atle Konta Midttun, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Lithuania
The Forum was moderated by Orijana Mašalė, Former Vice Minister of National Defence.
The first session focused on national preparedness, total defence, security challenges, maritime capacity and the importance of ensuring business and infrastructure continuity before a crisis occurs.
Presentations were delivered by:
– Haroldas Sabulis, Ministry of the Interior of Lithuania
– Siw Skjold Lexau, Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security
– Geir Lerhol, Höegh Evi
– Svein A. Ringbakken, Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib (DNK)
The second session shifted the focus towards business opportunities, industrial development, investment and innovation in the changing European security environment.
Keynote and special presentations featured:
– Henrik Inadomi, Aker Solutions, on the role of industry in building European resilience.
– Per Olav Foss, Equinor, on strengthening critical infrastructure security.
– Kyrre Lohne, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, on dual-use innovation and turning defence investment into industrial growth.
– Neringa Mickevičiūtė, Ellex Valiunas, on geopolitical developments and sanctions-related legal risks for businesses.
– Giedrius Čiurinskas, Colemont, Lloyd’s Broker, on insuring geopolitical risks.
The final panel discussion, “The New Security Economy: Where Will the Next Decade’s Growth Come From?”, moderated by Orijana Mašalė, featured:
Jekaterina Rojaka, Member of the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas)
Kyrre Lohne, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
Vidmantas Janulevičius, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists
Dr. Nerijus Udrėnas, Food for Ukraine Foundation
Tomas Žalandauskas, Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology (BPTI)
Across both sessions, one message stood out: security and economic growth are increasingly interconnected. Building a resilient Europe requires close cooperation between governments and businesses, strategic investment, technological innovation and stronger international partnerships.
The forum also highlighted the significant potential for further Norwegian–Lithuanian cooperation in defence, energy, maritime industries, infrastructure, advanced technologies and strategic supply chains.
A big thank you to all our speakers, panelists, participants.
A big big thank you to our sponsors and partners for their contribution, support and commitment to making this forum a success:
We look forward to continuing the conversations and turning these connections into new opportunities for cooperation!