If the end of fossil fuels seems inevitable, the management of the coming decades fuels debates and creates tensions, even within Europe. While the continent as a whole aims to lead the global shift away from oil and gas, Norway prefers to continue relying on its vast fossil fuel reserves for a while longer. This stance highlights a complex balance between environmental goals and economic realities. Norway has one of the least carbon-intensive electricity and energy systems in the world, yet it remains one of the largest exporters of hydrocarbons—primarily oil and natural gas. These resources are largely found in the subsoils of the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea. As of the end of 2025, there were no fewer than 97 natural gas and oil fields off Norway’s coasts. These reserves play a crucial role in the country's economy, supporting jobs, generating revenue, and ensuring energy independence. In 2025, oil and gas exports accounted for nearly 85 billion euros, or 57 percent of Norway’s total exports. As a result, despite the global push toward cleaner energy, Norway plans to continue exploiting these resources for several more years. In May 2026, the country announced the APA2026 program, which includes 70 exploration blocks, 38 of which are located in the Barents Sea. This decision has drawn criticism from the European Union, which supports a temporary ban on new hydrocarbon drilling to protect the environment. The European Union aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, but new petroleum exploration could lead to the exploitation of these resources between 2030 and 2040. At the same time, Norway has become a critical supplier of natural gas to Europe, especially after the decline in Russian gas imports. Now the fourth-largest global gas exporter, Norway supplies 95 percent of its gas exports to the European Union, which meets 30 percent of its natural gas needs. This makes Europe face a difficult choice: oppose Norwegian oil exploration and risk compromising its energy security by 2040, or support these explorations and weaken its environmental commitments.