Norway will keep developing oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea, even if the EU backs a ban on new Arctic drilling, the country’s energy minister says.
Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland stated on Monday that Norway has the right to expand oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea. DR reports that he made the comments to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Per DR, Aasland said the current geopolitical and security situation means activity in the Barents Sea serves both Norwegian and European interests. He added that Norway will develop the areas, and that it will be up to the EU to decide whether to impose a temporary ban on buying the oil or gas.
The Barents Sea lies north of Norway and Russia. According to DR, the minister sees the region as central if Norway is to maintain oil production and exports near present levels until at least 2035.
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Norway has become Europe’s largest supplier of natural gas since Russia began the war in Ukraine. Ritzau reports that Norwegian oil production last year reached its highest level since 2009.
Made ahead of the ONS energy fair
Berlingske reports that the statement came ahead of Norway’s ONS oil and energy fair, held in Stavanger. Norwegian outlet ABC Nyheter carries the same remarks, adding that the national goal is to keep oil and gas production and exports at today’s level.
As noted by DR, Reuters writes that the EU opposes further drilling for environmental reasons, but that energy security concerns during wars and rising energy prices could change this. Reuters reported in July 2026 that the bloc’s stance on Arctic drilling was under discussion.
The European Commission has not moved from its position. Euronews reported in May 2026 that the Commission has backed an international moratorium on Arctic oil, gas and coal since 2021. Energi og Klima reported in January 2026 that a Commission spokesperson repeated the EU wants a full international ban.
Nordic investors have pushed in the same direction. Reuters reported in May 2026 that a group of Nordic investors urged the EU to hold firm on the Arctic drilling ban despite turmoil in energy markets.
Earlier this year, the Norwegian government drew criticism from environmental campaigners. According to DR, the criticism concerned plans to reopen three gas fields in the North Sea that had not been in use since 1998, along with plans to explore oil and gas options at 70 new sites in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said at the time that the plans would secure jobs, Norwegians’ shared welfare and contribute to Europe’s energy security.
