Norwegian MP warns Brussels against Oslo’s Arctic energy lobbying

For months, Støre and his cabinet have toured European capitals, positioning Norwegian energy as the essential, cleaner alternative to Russian or American imports. The Prime Minister maintains that increased Arctic exports were the primary buffer against the 2022 energy crisis. However, data published by the Norwegian daily Dagens Næringsliv contradicts this narrative, revealing that Arctic supplies accounted for less than half of the export surge credited to the region.

Sjursæther, representing a growing domestic opposition to the government's expansionist energy policy, contends that the administration’s focus on the Arctic is strategically misleading. Despite the discrepancy in production figures, Norwegian officials continue to press the EU to lift its moratorium on new exploration. Sjursæther urges Brussels to look past the diplomatic charm offensive, asserting that the Prime Minister’s agenda does not align with the long-term needs of the European bloc.