Norway has technology and expertise that is vital for Europe’s green transition. In a meeting between Norwegian ministers and EU commissioners on March 1, Norway and the EU agreed to strengthen cooperation on how to promote the transition to a modern and competitive low-carbon economy.
The European Green Deal was launched by the European Commission in 2019. This is both a growth strategy and a cross-sectoral plan to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050.
During the meeting, members of the European Commission and Norwegian government ministers discussed how to translate ambitious climate targets into concrete action. Meeting the goals set out in the Paris Agreement will require a transformation process that extends across all areas of society and stakeholders.
Innovation and development of technology are two of the keys to achieving the green transition, and the private sector will play a central role. The discussion revolved around issues such as carbon taxes and other climate-related measures, and the circular economy, with a focus on battery technology, electrification of transport, green shipping and carbon capture and storage (CSS). The use of hydrogen as a potential long-term solution for decarbonizing the energy sector was also discussed.
The launch of the Norwegian Longship project for carbon capture and storage (CCS) has aroused widespread interest in Europe. Norway’s goal is to provide a European infrastructure for CCS. Offshore wind power is another area that stands out as a good candidate for future cooperation with the EU, and where Norwegian companies can provide a wide range of expertise.
Norway and the EU share common interests in the maritime sector and green shipping. This sector is an important driver of technological innovation, including electric ferries, which are being tested in Norwegian fjords.
Norway and the EU agree on the need to mobilize climate finance to ensure a higher level of global ambition for emission cuts. Both parties will continue their efforts to promote greater global ambition in areas such as biodiversity, chemicals and waste, reducing deforestation and reducing marine plastic litter.
The EU and Norway cooperate 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 close climate partnership under the 2019 agreement on achieving the 2030 climate target.
(IRuniverse)
