EU Rebuffs Norway's Bid to Lift Arctic Drilling Ban
Norway's efforts to lift the European Union's ban on oil and gas drilling in the Arctic have been unsuccessful, according to a spokesperson for the European Commission. The ban, which was enacted in 2021 due to climate commitments and environmental concerns, is expected to remain in place despite Norway's lobbying.
Norway is Western Europe's top oil and gas producer and the single biggest gas supplier to Europe after Russia cut off most supply via pipelines following the invasion of Ukraine. The country has been campaigning for months to lift the moratorium on drilling in Arctic waters, but the EU is not willing to change its position.
Norway plans to continue exploring for oil and gas in its Arctic waters regardless of whether the EU supports or lifts the moratorium. Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland said that if Norway is to remain a long-term supplier of oil and gas to Europe, then the Arctic must be part of that discussion.
The European Commission will announce a revamped Northern Neighbourhood strategy on October 20, which is expected to keep the moratorium on drilling in Arctic waters intact. The new strategy aims to address climate change and environmental degradation while supporting sustainable economic development.