On the 15th anniversary of the Utoya massacre in Norway, concerns have intensified over the resurgence of right-wing extremism inspired by Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in 2011. Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO secretary-general and current Norwegian finance minister, reflected on the enduring trauma from the attack and the persistent threat posed by extremist ideologies both within Norway and internationally.

Norwegian intelligence agency PST has reported a notable increase in violent acts linked to right-wing extremists among teenagers and young adults since 2021. Many perpetrators have cited Breivik as a source of inspiration, despite being too young to recall the 2011 massacre firsthand. This trend underscores the lasting influence of Breivik’s ideology on a new generation.

Research from the Centre for Research on Extremism (C-Rex) at Oslo University reveals that Breivik maintained transnational connections to far-right groups, including the English Defence League and counter-jihad movements in the United Kingdom. These links illustrate the broader network of ideological exchange that spans Europe and North America. British extremists convicted of attacks have referenced Breivik’s actions in their justifications, and he has also been identified as an influence on Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand.

Norwegian intelligence officials caution that the proliferation of extremist content online complicates efforts to monitor and counteract such threats. The digital landscape facilitates the rapid spread of violent ideologies and fosters a decentralized, complex extremist environment that challenges traditional security approaches.

Survivors of the Utoya attack have spoken about the lasting psychological toll of the violence and the persistent fear stemming from ongoing extremist threats. Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of sustained vigilance and collective action to counter right-wing extremism, emphasizing that combating such ideologies demands continuous and coordinated efforts from governments, security agencies, and civil society.

As Norway marks this somber anniversary, the government and security services remain alert to the growing challenges posed by right-wing extremism, reaffirming their commitment to preventing similar acts of violence in the future.