Jens Stoltenberg, Nato’s former secretary-general, is to make a surprise return to the frontline of Norwegian politics as finance minister, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Nordic country frets about being caught in the middle of a US-EU trade war.

Former NATO head Jens Stoltenberg said he will temporarily leave his position as chair of the Munich Security Conference because he has accepted a position as Norway's finance minister.

Former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, who became Norway's new finance minister on Tuesday, said engaging with the Trump administration on trade was key to avoiding tariffs as Europe braces for a potential transatlantic trade war.