EU, Norway sign deal on clean energy transition

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) - The EU and Norway Monday signed a deal on clean energy transition and environmental protection.

“We have concluded our Green Alliance, and we are opening a new era of privileged cooperation on climate action and clean energy,” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced at a joint news conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Store.

Under the deal, the EU and Norway pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emission by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

The partners also committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and working together on the implementation of the Paris climate accord.

The EU and Norway will support the green transition in the industry by promoting the use of hydrogen and offshore renewable energy, decarbonizing the transport sector, and investing in the circular economy.

The cooperation will also seek to halt deforestation and tackle the biodiversity crisis.

“We want our societies and economies to prosper together while reducing emissions, protecting nature, decarbonizing our energy systems, and greening our industries,” von der Leyen added.

Later on Monday, the leaders and energy ministers from the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, and Luxembourg will meet in Ostend, Belgium.

The North Sea Summit will focus on increasing investments in offshore wind energy and infrastructure connections in the region.