Norway’s Coalition Government Collapses Over EU Energy Policy Dispute

The Centre Party’s departure leaves Labour to govern alone, raising questions about Norway’s EU relations and domestic energy policies.

The Centre Party, led by Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, exited Norway’s coalition government over opposition to adopting three EU energy directives.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s Labour Party now governs alone for the first time in 25 years but lacks a parliamentary majority ahead of elections in September.
The disputed EU directives focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building standards, which the Centre Party claims undermine Norwegian sovereignty.
Norway’s relationship with the EU, through its membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), requires compliance with many EU regulations despite the country not being an EU member.
The government collapse highlights tensions between maintaining EU trade relations and addressing domestic concerns over energy prices and national control.