High-level meeting on Troll A platform

'Energy from Norway has always been a cornerstone of energy supply for the European Union. Even more so against the backdrop of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine. I am impressed by the significant increase in gas deliveries to the EU, and pleased to hear that Norway will maintain these high levels,' said President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the Troll A platform as 'an impressive structure, absolutely vital to heat homes and power industries across Europe, and important for our security. Because we have seen how Russia has tried to use gas as a weapon to prevent us from supporting Ukraine. It has failed, not least because of platforms like this one. They are key to help reduce Europe's dangerous dependency on Russian gas.'

'Norway is a stable and reliable supplier of gas to its allies and partners, and is currently Europe's largest gas supplier. The reduction in gas deliveries from Russia to Europe as a result of the war in Ukraine has not led to a supply crisis. Increased gas exports from Norway have played a key part in mitigating the situation. Europe is standing together, more united than ever before, and I am very pleased to be here today with the NATO Secretary General and the President of the European Commission,' said Mr Støre.

As Europe's primary gas supplier, Norway has a special responsibility to safeguard gas production. Norway has strengthened efforts to secure critical infrastructure, in close cooperation with the companies operating on the Norwegian continental shelf, the Norwegian police, the Norwegian Armed Forces and various allies.

'The Norwegian Armed Forces have a good overview of activity in our sea areas. In cooperation with our allies, our armed forces have been increasing patrols around our oil and gas installations, and the Norwegian police and the operating companies are also doing their part to protect production. We are working together to strengthen security. Together with Germany, Norway has asked NATO to take a greater role in surveillance of subsea infrastructure, and I am pleased that NATO has responded quickly by establishing a centre to work on this,' said Mr Støre.

During the visit, Mr Støre, Mr Stoltenberg, Ms von der Leyen and Mr Opedal had lunch with employees on the Troll A platform.

'Thanks to the immense efforts of everyone who works in this industry, the companies have managed to increase gas production. This is helping to heat and light European homes and safeguard jobs on the continent,' said Mr Støre.