Dear Prime Minister and Ministers,
The European Grandparents for Climate gathered for our annual meeting in the Hague 25th to 27th of September 2026 unanimously decided to write to you and your government to protest against Norway’s planned extension of oil and gas exploration and production on the continental shelf and in particular against the expansion into the Barents Sea.
The annual licensing round for petroleum on the Norwegian continental shelf for 2026 has been announced. The area is being enlarged by a total of 70 new blocks in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea.
The European Union has called for an international moratorium on the development of new Arctic oil, gas and coal reserves. Despite this call for a moratorium Norway is expanding the area available for petroleum licensing in the Barents Sea. We are deeply concerned that a country with Norway’s reputation as a responsible nation in matters concerning climate and environment decides to search for more fossil fuels in a vulnerable region already profoundly affected by climate change.
We recognise that Norway is an important supplier of energy to Europe. But today’s energy needs cannot justify opening for new Arctic production that may continue for decades. Energy security must be based on efficiency, renewable energy and a carefully managed transition that protects our common future.
As grandparents, we beg you to consider what your decision would mean for those who will live with its consequences. Every new exploration licence signals an intention to prolong our dependence on fossil fuels. In the Arctic, it also places further pressure on a vulnerable environment.
We urge your government to halt new oil and gas exploration licences in the Barents Sea, and to support an international moratorium on Arctic fossil fuel development. Furthermore, we ask you to adopt a credible plan for a fair transition away from oil and gas.
As a climate responsible nation Norway has an obligation to take a lead and to act responsibly.
Yours sincerely,
European Grandparents for Climate
COPY: The leaders of the political parties represented in Parliament