Norway Defies EU, Vows to Drill Arctic for Oil and Gas

Norway's Energy Minister Terje Aasland says his country will continue drilling for oil and gas in the Barents Sea, despite European Union support for a moratorium on Arctic hydrocarbon supplies. The move is seen as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has made Norway Europe's largest supplier of natural gas.

Norway's gas production was near record levels last year, while oil output reached its highest level since 2009. Official forecasts show production falling sharply after 2030 unless new resources are discovered and developed.

Aasland argues that continued activity in the Barents Sea serves both Norwegian and European interests, particularly in terms of energy security. He believes Norway's arguments are being heard in Brussels, but notes it is his country's sovereign right to develop the Barents Sea resources even if the EU continues to support a moratorium.