Norway to Continue Arctic Drilling Despite EU Moratorium

Norway will continue to develop oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea regardless of the European Union's moratorium on Arctic drilling, Energy Minister Terje Aasland said on August 24, 2026. The declaration, made ahead of the country's major energy conference in Stavanger, underscores a growing rift between Europe's largest gas supplier and the bloc over energy security and climate policy.

Aasland stated that continued activity in the Barents Sea serves both Norwegian and European interests, particularly in the current geopolitical and security environment. Norway, which is not an EU member, has become Europe's largest supplier of natural gas following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, meeting approximately 30% of the gas demand for both the EU and Britain. Last year, the country's gas production was near record levels, and oil output reached its highest level since 2009.

However, official forecasts show production falling sharply after 2030 unless new resources are discovered and developed. Aasland emphasized that Barents Sea production is key to Norway's goal of maintaining petroleum exports at current levels until at least 2035. "If Norway is to remain a long-term...