European countries continue to prepare for the possibility of a . NATO member Norway has in recent weeks sent “preparatory requests” (letters) to its citizens warning them that the army may have to confiscate their property if war breaks out. “We are in the most critical moment regarding our security since the Second World War”details.
With a validity of one year, The requisition policy covers vehicles, vessels, machinery and property. The letters have no practical impact in peacetime other than informing owners that the military can seize their property in the event of conflict, according to the statement.
“The requisitions are intended to ensure that, in a situation of war, the armed forces have access to the resources necessary to defend the country,” the army said in a statement. By 2026, around 13,500 letters will be issued for this purpose and are aimed mainly at owners of assets considered strategic. In 2025 there were 14,000 eager people sent.
It is worth remembering that Norway shares a maritime border and a 198 kilometer land border with Russia in the far north.. Hence, they consider themselves as “the eyes and ears” of NATO in this area.
Map of Norway and other Nordic countries
“Our society must be ready for security crises and, in the worst case, war… We are carrying out a significant expansion of military and civil preparedness,” said the head of logistics of the armed forces, Major General Anders Jernberg.
This decision, of course, has a legal fit within Norwegian regulations. The Military Requisitions Law of 1951 allows authorities to temporarily dispose of properties and resources necessary for the operation of the armed forces and other institutions linked to defense.
Could the same happen in Spain?
The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles.
Spain also has a force on forced expropriation. In its article 101 it is detailed: “In time of war and in case of total or partial mobilization that is not for maneuvers, “The military authorities may use, upon prior requisition, all types of movable and immovable property, rights, companies, industries, accommodation, personal benefits and, in general, anything that directly or indirectly serves military purposes.”
Furthermore, any benefit due to requisition would give “the right to compensation for the amount of the service provided, the objective value of what was requisitioned, or the damages and defects that may occur due to it”, according to Spanish regulations.
Article 101
- In time of war and in the case of total or partial mobilization other than for maneuvers, the military authorities may use, upon prior requisition, all types of movable and immovable property, rights, companies, industries, accommodation, personal benefits and, in general, everything that directly or indirectly serves military purposes.
Article 102
- Outside of the cases provided for in the previous article, only the following may be subject to requisition: accommodation for personnel, livestock and material; rations of bread and feed, as well as fuel and lighting, accommodation and whatever is necessary to care for the sick or injured; land, sea or air means for locomotion or transportation of personnel, livestock or material of the armies or their services. The maximum duration of these last two benefits will not exceed twenty-four hours each time.
- In periods of large maneuvers to concentrate forces, rural and urban properties may also be requisitioned by the corresponding military authority as auxiliary means for the maneuvers, with the limitations and forms indicated in the special regulations. The searches referred to in this paragraph may only be required in the territory and in the period of time previously indicated.
- The requisition, on a trial basis, of all useful means of locomotion and transportation, both animal and mechanical, may also be agreed upon by Decree.
Article 103
- In no case may the requisition of resources greater than those possessed by the Municipalities be required, and they must always respect the provisions necessary for civil food for a reasonable period of time.
Article 104
- The right of requisition corresponds to the military authority determined by regulation, which may delegate its exercise within the authorized limits.
Article 105
- 1. Any benefit due to requisition gives the right to compensation for the amount of the service provided, the objective value of what was requisitioned, or the damages and defects that may occur due to it.
- 2. The amounts to be paid for this concept and whose payment has not been verified within a period of three months, from the date on which the requisition was carried out, will accrue legal interest.
- 3. The provision of accommodation, both in private homes and in public buildings, of the forces of the Land, Sea and Air Armies and other people affected by them will not be compensable.
According to , “The Norwegian Armed Forces consist of five branches: the Army, the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the National Guard and the Norwegian Cyber Defense Force.” “Active military personnel are increased by around 7,000 recruits annually, with Norway notably being one of the first NATO countries to introduce female recruitment. The National Guard, a rapid mobilization force, comprises around 40,000 reservists,” says this specialized media.
