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Norway Will Follow EU in Russian Sanctions

Published Jul 31, 2014 3:10 AM by The Maritime Executive

The EU’s new package of measures against Russia entails restrictions on certain forms of cooperation and economic exchanges, and Norway, although not an EU member is likely to follow suit. 

“Ever since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in March, the government has made it clear that Norway needs to stand together with its allies and partners in responding to Russia’s unlawful actions in Ukraine. That is why Norway has chosen to align itself with the EU’s restrictive measures,” said Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.  

Brende’s statement comes after Washington and Brussels announced on Tuesday that they would implement sanctions as a result of Russia’s lack of cooperation regarding the downing of the Malaysian airline MH17.

“The EU’s new restrictive measures against Russia reflect the gravity of the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. Norway will study the measures closely. Given the important foreign policy considerations involved, there is good reason for Norway to align itself with the new measures,” Brende said.  

The development of the conflict in Ukraine is deeply worrying, not least because of the active support Russia has given to pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine. “We are now seeing a situation where law and order has broken down in the heart of Europe. This is extremely serious. There is little doubt that the rebels have received advanced weapons and equipment from Russia. This has served to escalate the conflict and must cease immediately,” Brende said. 

Despite strong appeals from the international community, Russia has shown no willingness to seek to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. “In a situation like this, we have no choice but to respond. The EU has now done so in a forceful manner,” Brende said.

The Norwegian government’s actions could affect the operations of Statoil, a state-owned oil company that has partnered with Rosneft in an Arctic Ocean drilling program. An agreement Rosneft and Statoil signed in May 2012 involves joint operations on the Norwegian continental shelf, as well as joint projects in the Russian sector of the Barents Sea and in the Sea of Okhotsk. 

Norwegian rig owner Seadrill’s harsh environment spin-off North Atlantic Drilling signed a partnership deal with Rosneft earlier this year, which entails numerous rigs heading to Russia and could see Rosneft take a significant shareholding in the company. The company has just announced six binding agreements with Rosneft worth approximately $4.25 billion. The contracts commence in Russian waters from 2015 through 2017.