Norway’s recent decision to advance seabed mining in the Arctic
TA-9-2024-0068 · P9_TA(2024)0068 · PE756.838
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Parliament's resolution responds to Norway's decision of 9 January 2024 to open 281 200 square kilometres of Arctic seabed for exploration. It expresses concern, notes that extraction still needs Storting approval, and calls for an international moratorium on deep-seabed mining until effects are sufficiently researched.¶¶¶ It recalls Norway's obligations under the Svalbard Treaty, OSPAR and Espoo conventions, urges signature and ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, and asks Norway to keep engaging with the EU and to exchange scientific research.¶¶
Key points
- Parliament expresses concern about the Storting's decision of 9 January 2024 to open areas for deep-seabed activities.¶
- It notes the decision includes continued mapping, knowledge acquisition and environmental impact assessments, and does not automatically grant extraction approval, as first extraction plans must be approved by the Storting.¶
- It reiterates calls on the Commission and member states to promote an international moratorium on deep-seabed mining, including at the International Seabed Authority, until effects are sufficiently studied and mining can avoid marine biodiversity loss or ecosystem degradation.¶
- It calls on all countries to apply the precautionary principle and support an international moratorium on deep-seabed mining.
- It recalls Norway's obligations under the Svalbard Treaty, agreements on fishing stock management, the OSPAR Convention and the Espoo Convention.¶
- It stresses that the BBNJ Agreement has been signed by the EU and Norway, and calls on all other UNCLOS parties, including Norway, to sign and ratify it without delay.
- It calls on Norway to continue engaging with the EU in the spirit of mutual partnership and the Green Alliance signed in April 2023 to address concerns and protect the marine environment and Arctic ecosystems.¶
- It calls on the Commission and Norway to engage in continuous dialogue and exchange scientific research and knowledge on the seabed and sustainable ocean management.
- It underlines that Norway and the EU follow a similar approach on a balanced raw materials policy based on demand mitigation, reuse, efficiency, recycling, waste streams and substitution.
Who is affected
- Norway and its government, which is asked to engage with the EU and respect treaty obligations.¶¶
- The Commission and member states, which are asked to promote an international moratorium.¶
- EU fishing vessels, whose access to fishing grounds in the area could be affected.¶
- Parties to UNCLOS, which are called on to sign and ratify the BBNJ Agreement.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 281 200 square kilometres, the area in the Arctic approved for exploration.¶
- 9 January 2024, the date of the Storting's decision.
- EUR 3,3 trillion, the combined assets of 37 financial institutions that raised concerns over seabed mining.¶
- 90 %, the share of excess heat absorbed by the ocean.¶
- 25 %, the share of global CO2 emissions absorbed by the ocean.