EU to Keep Opposing New Arctic Oil Drilling, Despite Pressure From Norway
The European Commission said the bloc will keep supporting a ban as critics warn new Arctic projects would take more than a decade to begin production.
- On Monday, the European Commission reaffirmed its opposition to new Arctic oil and gas drilling, despite pressure from Norway to drop the ban.
- Norway, Europe's biggest gas supplier, has pushed Brussels to drop the moratorium. Energy Minister Terje Aasland argued last month that developing Barents Sea resources serves Europe's security interests.
- The European Union cites its 2021 Joint Communication on the Arctic Policy as the basis for maintaining the ban. Campaigners argue new fossil fuel developments take over a decade to come online, making them ineffective for current energy needs.
- Publishing its revised Arctic Policy on October 20, the European Commission will clarify the bloc's stance on future hydrocarbon purchases and industrial activities in sensitive Arctic ecosystems.
- Europe remains heavily reliant on imported energy after suffering two major shocks: Russia slashing gas deliveries in 2022, and surging prices this year as the Iran war upends global markets.
13 Articles
13 Articles
EU to keep opposing new Arctic oil drilling, despite pressure from Norway
By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The European Union will maintain its opposition to new oil and gas drilling in the Arctic, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday, despite Norwegian pressure to drop the EU ban. The EU currently ...
The European Union will not buy oil and gas from Norway from the Arctic: EADaily
EADaily, September 22nd, 2026. The European Commission is not going to change its plans and lift the moratorium on hydrocarbon production in The Arctic. Thus, Brussels responded to Norway, which is the main supplier of gas and a major exporter of oil to the European Union. The Scandinavian country expects that the existing fields are being depleted and production will decrease if it does not go to other regions — to The Arctic.
The European Commission refuses to give in to Norway and confirms the continuation of its moratorium on drilling in the Arctic. The country does not dissipate: it wants to travel ever more to the North to search for gas and oil.
altaposten.no
DocumentMDG and SV will include demands for a halt to oil and gas exploration in the Barents Sea in this autumn's negotiations on next year's state budget.
With backing from the EU, MDG and SV launch a frontal attack on the government's oil policy in the Arctic - but the Labour Party refuses to give in.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
