As a nation with the second longest coastline in the world, Norway is well positioned to lead the way in sustainable ocean development and has the largest potential offshore wind power in Europe. However, utilisation of natural resources is lacking behind other EU countries, despite the technological advantage from decades of offshore energy developments. A new EU-Norway Green Alliance will see greater collaboration around energy, industry and climate change, and specifically targets harvesting ocean wind.

Social acceptance of the green transition and renewable energy depends on whether the projects have national and local benefits such as domestic energy supplies, use of domestic technology and economic advantages through local value chains.  Does foreign ownership play a role in local value chain development and benefit small communities? Could the Green Alliance help or hinder coastal communities to develop sustainably within the green transition?

One key industry for both Norway and many other European countries is the aquaculture sector. Norway is the largest exporter of fish and aquaculture products to the EU and seven of the largest markets for Norwegian seafood are EU nations. However, increasing alternative activities along coastlines could dampen further opportunities for growth. The role of governance and diplomacy for managing coastlines is unclear but ocean governance is a growing concern for the European Commission. What are the mutual learning opportunities between Arctic and non-Arctic states within governance of the oceans and coastlines?