Given the significant defence procurements that have been initiated and are to be initiated in the coming years, the potential for Norwegian industrial participation is substantial. With thorough knowledge of the regulatory framework and early positioning vis-à-vis foreign suppliers, one is better equipped to seize the opportunities that arise.

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a wide range of the reciprocal tariffs introduced by President Trump in 2025. The decision has been argued to be the most important loss Trump has faced during his second presidential term, and the decision's impacts on international trade remain in many respects uncertain. A few days later, an action for annulment of EU safeguard measures on ferroalloys was brought before the General Court of the European Union.

From 1 January 2026, new guidelines for procurement in the defence sector (RAF) apply in Norway. The new rules replace the previous procurement guidelines (ARF) and apply to the Ministry of Defence and its subordinate agencies, including the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.

On October 7, 2025, the EU Commission proposed new protective measures on steel. Subsequently, on October 9, 2025, China announced new export controls on rare earths. These two measures are among several recently announced by major trading nations, reflecting the current tense geopolitical landscape. They also affect stakeholders in third countries, including Norway.

In Norway, the public sector spends billions each year on defence and security procurements. An external working group has now presented a proposal for a new act on defence and security procurements. The proposed act will apply to all public procurement in the defence and security sector, including weapons, ammunition, war materials, technology, and other essential services.

On 21 August 2025, The United States and the European Union announced that they had reached a Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade. In this update, we provide an overview of the key takeaways from the Framework Agreement and how it may affect entities trading with the US.

In this update, we provide a key overview of the recent developments within tariffs and trade restrictions, in light of the current geopolitical landscape and discuss implications for businesses, alongside strategies for navigating these challenges moving forward.

Competition Law

Defence and Security

Dispute Resolution

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Procurement

State Aid and EU/EEA

Trade Restrictions, Customs and Tariffs

Industry

Transport

Partner

Torje specialises in litigation, public procurement, state aid and general EU/EEA law. He also has extensive experience in administrative law and general contract law. 

Before becoming a partner at Wikborg Rein, Torje worked at the Government Attorney's Office (Regjeringsadvokaten), the Legal Department (Lovavdelingen), as judge and at the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA). He is admitted to the Supreme Court of Norway and has extensive litigation experience before all court levels in Norway. In addition, he has pleaded a number of cases before the EFTA Court, the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights.

He is recommended and recognised as one of Norway's leading procurement lawyers, including in Legal 500 and Finansavisen's lawyer survey. He maintains a large portfolio within public procurement, state aid and EU/EEA law.

Torje regularly gives lectures, and has written several books and articles, particularly on EU/EEA law and procurement law.

Oslo

Leading partners

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Torje is a specialist in public procurement, state aid and EU/EEA law. He is a highly experienced litigator and is admitted to the Supreme Court.

Torje Sunde

University lecturer (hourly basis) within e.g. civil law

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Recognitions

"What makes Torje Sunde truly unique is his ability to combine deep legal expertise with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset. He not only delivers precise legal analysis but also ensures that his advice is tailored to the client’s strategic and commercial objectives."