Norway Defies EU on Arctic Drilling Plans Amid Energy Security Concerns

Norway's Energy Minister Terje Aasland says his country will continue to develop its oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea, regardless of the European Union's position on a moratorium.

The EU currently supports a ban on new drilling in the Arctic on environmental grounds, but is considering revising its policy due to concerns about energy security.

Norway has become Europe's largest supplier of natural gas since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, meeting around 30% of gas demand for both the European Union and Britain.

Aasland believes continued activity in the Barents Sea serves both Norwegian and European interests, and Norway aims to maintain petroleum production and exports at roughly current levels until at least 2035.