Adrian Fagg / Flickr
North North Coast
Norway decided to block the entry of Russian fishing boats in its waters and align in the sanctions of the European Union. The decision is being contested by Kremlin for violating a bilateral fishing agreement of 1976.
Kremlin called on Tuesday the Norway business officer in Moscow to formally protest against what he classified as “illegal restrictive measures”Imposed by Oslo on Russian fishing vessels, intensifying tensions between the two countries in the context of sanctions and resource management in the Arctic.
According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the protest was motivated by Norway’s recent decision to prevent Russian companies Norebo and Murman Seafood operate in Norwegian waters. These companies have been operating for years in the exclusive economic zone of Norway under a Bilateral Fishing Agree of 1976.
On July 7, the Norwegian government decided to align with the sanctions of the European Union adopted in May, placing both Russian companies on its national sanctions list. The measure, justified by concerns with espionage and risk of sabotageannulled in practice the rights granted by the old agreement. Moscow reacted immediately, condemning the decision as “politically motivated.”
In a statement issued Tuesday, Russia accused Norway of a “serious violation” of the 1976 Fishing Agreement, warning that Oslo’s decision compromises a cooperation system that has allowed sustainable management of fishing resources shared in Barents and Norway.
“O Russian side will take the necessary measures To protect the interests of national fishing, ”said the ministry if Oslo refuses to comply with the terms of the original agreement again.
Norwegian authorities confirmed the diplomatic meeting, and a spokesman for the Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Russia expressed discontent with Oslo’s decisions. However, Norway defended its position, reiterating its commitment to joint management of fishing, but also to European solidarity with the war in Ukraine and its aggressive Russian stance in relation to the countries of the NATO.
“The rules for Norwegian ports are determined by the Norwegian authorities”The spokesman stressed, making it clear that national security concerns have priority on past bilateral agreements.
This growing confrontation highlights the broader geopolitical rupture between Russia and NATO’s allied countries, especially in Arctic, where fishing rights, energy resources and military interests are increasingly intertwined. Analysts warn that the break in fishing cooperation may have lasting consequences for the sustainability of resources in the region and for Arctic diplomacy.
For now, the two countries remain in opposite positions: Russia requires the reversal of the restrictions imposed by Norway, while Oslo maintains its decision.
