Norway and the European Union have agreed to strengthen co-operation to promote the transition to a low-carbon economy, focusing on offshore wind – especially floating windfarms – green hydrogen, and carbon capture
In a 1 March 2021 meeting, members of the European Commission and Norwegian Government discussed how to translate ambitious climate targets into concrete action.
They agreed that meeting the goals set out in the Paris Agreement will require a transforming process that extends across all areas of society and stakeholders.
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide said, “Norway supports Europeʼs leading role in promoting sustainable development and climate-friendly policies. The European Green Deal provides a guide for rebuilding the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our activities are already closely tied to EU climate policy through the EEA Agreement and a formal agreement on achieving the 2030 climate target. Norway is highly relevant as a partner for the EU and has research institutions, technology, a business sector and expertise that play an important part in developing a climate-neutral Europe.”
Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Tina Bru said, “We have noted that the EU is showing great interest in offshore wind power, especially floating windfarms, and is following developments in Norway closely. These are good examples of the impact that the green transition in progress here in Norway is having outside our borders.”
Minister of Climate and Environment Sveinung Rotevatn said, “The European Green Deal is about building competitiveness through a green transition. An ambitious climate policy is also a good business policy.
“Norway has technology, expertise and products which make us an attractive partner for Europe. Green shipping is one of the areas where the EU is looking to Norway, and where the Norwegian Government has created a framework that will give Norwegian actors a strong position.”
Norway and the EU also agreed on the need to mobilise climate finance to ensure a higher level of global ambition for emission cuts.
The EU and Norway co-operate closely through the EEA Agreement, which will include large parts of the proposed legislation under Europe’s Green Deal. Norway and the EU also have a climate partnership under the 2019 agreement on achieving the 2030 climate target.
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