Norway has delivered an inconvenient message to Brussels: it intends to keep looking for oil and gas in the Arctic, whether the European Union likes it or not.
Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland said Oslo would continue developing resources in the Barents Sea regardless of the EU’s position, arguing that Europe will continue needing secure energy supplies for years to come.
It is an awkward situation.
The EU would like Europeans to consume less fossil fuel, discourage investment in fossil fuels and eventually eliminate Russian hydrocarbons. It would also, preferably, like the lights to stay on, factories to operate and diesel to remain available.
Fortunately, Norway has apparently volunteered to handle the geology while Brussels handles the PowerPoint presentations.
Norway is already one of Europe’s most important suppliers of natural gas and has become even more strategically important since Russian pipeline deliveries collapsed.
From Oslo’s perspective, therefore, continuing exploration is less an ideological statement than an energy and industrial decision.
Brussels can publish strategies, targets, roadmaps and perhaps eventually a 437-page delegated act explaining why drilling is terribly old-fashioned.
Norway, meanwhile, will drill.
Brussels can keep drafting strategies for a Europe beyond hydrocarbons.
Norway, meanwhile, will make sure there are still hydrocarbons to keep Europe running until Brussels gets to Lala Land.
Source
Source: Reuters — “Norway will drill in Arctic regardless of EU’s position, says energy minister” — 24 August 2026
Reuters — Norway will drill in Arctic regardless of EU’s position