EU officials have expressed concerns over Norway’s continued fisheries cooperation with Russia in the Barents Sea cod fishery, amid rising Arctic security tensions.
The 1975 Norway–Russia fisheries pact governs joint management of the world’s largest cod stock, which is also economically significant for both states and vital to sustainable catch levels. However, officials warn it now intersects with Arctic security and critical infrastructure risks.
Costas Kadis, the EU’s fishing commissioner, told the FT that the Russo-Norwegian pact, which involves year-round co-operation between ocean scientists, the fishing industry and coastguards, should be scaled back. He said he raised the issue with Oslo “at every opportunity”.
“We are aware that Russia is involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities, but also espionage, mapping of critical infrastructure and sabotage activities,” he said. “It raises security concerns
- The Barents Sea cod stock underpins around $2bn in annual Norwegian seafood exports
- Norway maintains the pact helps monitor Russian activity and prevent overfishing
- The EU is reviewing its Arctic strategy amid hybrid and infrastructure threats
Norwegian fishing minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss argues continued engagement provides oversight, while diplomats warn disruption could threaten fish stocks and energy-linked stability.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera
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