Norway Continues Arctic Oil and Gas Development Amid EU Drilling Ban Debate

Norway's Minister of Energy Terje Aasland stated the country will continue developing oil and gas in the Barents Sea, irrespective of a European Union ban on Arctic drilling.

Aasland believes continued activity serves Norwegian and European interests, particularly in the current geopolitical and security environment. Norway is Europe's largest gas supplier, meeting about 30% of demand across the European Union and Britain, with its gas output near record levels last year and oil production at its highest since 2009. Official projections show output dropping sharply after 2030 without new fields, but Aasland intends to hold production and exports near current levels until at least 2035, emphasizing the Arctic's importance for long-term supply.

The EU is expected to make a decision on banning new Arctic oil and gas exploration in October. The CEO of Norwegian energy company Equinor, Anders Opedal, has said producers will find buyers elsewhere if Europe refuses to buy. Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, has urged the EU to reconsider its opposition to Arctic development for energy security.

The EU has faced economic damage from high electricity prices for energy-intensive industries, which averaged more than double American levels in 2025 and were nearly 50% above China's, with a 2024 report warning these costs are hollowing out manufacturing.