In a significant development for European energy security, intelligence services from seven European nations convened with Norwegian energy executives to discuss potential threats from Russia. The closed-door meeting, held in Stavanger, Norway, underscored the critical role Norway now plays in Europe's energy landscape.
Sinan Selen, vice president of Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, emphasized the shared nature of the threat. "This is not just a concern for Germany or Norway, but for all of us," Selen stated. He highlighted the dual risks of espionage and sabotage, particularly from Russia, without delving into specific cases.
The heightened focus on Norway's energy sector comes as the nation has become Europe's largest natural gas supplier, a position solidified in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine over 18 months ago. Norway's extensive gas pipeline network, stretching over 8,800 km, now serves as a crucial lifeline for European energy needs.
Beate Gangaas, head of Norway's counterintelligence agency PST, which organized the meeting, was unequivocal in identifying the source of concern. "When discussing sabotage today, we are talking about Russia," she affirmed. This sentiment echoes earlier warnings from Norwegian intelligence agencies about potential Russian sabotage against the country's petroleum sector.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of increased vigilance across Europe. In April 2023, German authorities arrested two German-Russian nationals on suspicion of planning sabotage attacks, including targets on U.S. military facilities. While the Russian Embassy in Germany dismissed these allegations, the incident has heightened concerns about potential threats to critical infrastructure.
Nils Andreas Stensoenes, head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, provided context to the current situation. "Russia is in a lasting confrontation with the West and is willing to take more risks," he explained. Stensoenes advocated for increased security measures, despite the absence of concrete evidence of imminent plans targeting Norway.
Norway's position as a NATO member sharing a 196-kilometer Arctic border with Russia adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The country's petroleum sector, accounting for about 21% of its GDP, is viewed as a prime target for potential sabotage attempts.
"Even though we haven't seen any concrete evidence on plans to do anything in Norway, it's wise to be prudent and increase the level of security."
As Europe continues to navigate the complex energy landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, the collaboration between security services and energy sector executives represents a proactive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure. With Norway's oil fund standing as the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, the stakes for protecting the nation's energy assets extend far beyond its borders, impacting global economic stability.