Key facts
- The European Commission is expected to maintain its ban on Arctic oil and gas drilling.
- Norway has been lobbying the EU to lift the moratorium on Arctic drilling.
- The EU's moratorium on Arctic drilling was enacted in 2021 due to climate commitments and environmental concerns.
- The ban prohibits drilling in Norway's northern Barents Sea, which holds significant oil and gas resources.
- Norway plans to continue exploring for oil and gas in its Arctic waters regardless of the EU's decision.
The European Commission is expected to maintain its ban on oil and gas drilling in Arctic waters, despite months of lobbying by Norway, a close ally of the EU and Western Europe's largest oil and gas producer. The Commission, the EU's legislative arm, is set to reveal an updated Northern Neighbourhood strategy on October 20, which is anticipated to keep the existing moratorium in place. Norway has argued that Europe needs reliable energy supplies from outside conflict zones, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and global energy disruptions. The EU's ban, enacted in 2021, stems from climate commitments and environmental concerns, prohibiting drilling in the resource-rich northern parts of the Barents Sea. Even the International Energy Agency's executive director, Fatih Birol, suggested this summer that the EU should reconsider the moratorium for the sake of European energy security. However, a spokesperson for the Commission told Euronews that the EU's approach will remain unchanged, emphasizing objectives to address climate change, environmental degradation, and support sustainable economic development. Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland has indicated that Norway will continue its exploration activities in the Arctic regardless of the EU's stance.