IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the EU should take another look at its position, arguing that access to reliable energy supplies remains a critical issue for the continent as it works to reduce dependence on unstable sources.
"I support the Commission to give a very close look at this issue, because it is extremely important for the European energy security," Birol told reporters in Brussels on Thursday.
He added: "The world needs every drop of oil from Norway," describing the Scandinavian country as a dependable partner that "will not use energy as a weapon".
The comments come as Europe continues efforts to reshape its energy landscape following the decision to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by the end of 2027. The bloc has been seeking alternative supplies through a combination of renewable energy expansion and increased reliance on trusted oil and gas producers.
The EU currently backs restrictions on new Arctic drilling projects due to environmental concerns, but officials are under pressure to reconsider the policy as energy markets remain volatile and governments focus on securing future supplies.
Norway, which has significant Arctic territory and waters but is not a member of the EU, has repeatedly urged European leaders to abandon support for a blanket moratorium on new Arctic oil and gas exploration.
As Europe’s largest gas supplier, Norway plays a central role in the continent’s energy security. However, analysts warn that the country’s output could decline during the 2030s as several existing gas fields mature, unless companies such as Equinor discover and develop new resources beyond established production areas.
Speaking alongside Birol in Brussels, Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg argued that recent disruptions in global energy markets had highlighted the importance of maintaining domestic production capacity.
"Of course, there are environmental concerns that we have to take into account, and Norway is doing that," Stoltenberg said.
"But to say no, there should be no oil and gas exploration in the Arctic doesn't make sense for Norway."
The debate has intensified as Europe faces higher energy costs following instability in global oil and gas markets linked to the Iran war. Supporters of continued exploration argue that new Arctic resources could help strengthen supply security and reduce vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.
However, environmental groups and opponents of lifting the ban argue that Arctic fossil fuel projects would not provide an immediate solution to Europe’s current energy challenges. They note that such developments often require more than a decade before production begins, meaning they would have limited impact on short-term supply shortages or price pressures.
The disagreement reflects a broader challenge facing Europe: balancing climate commitments with the need for affordable and reliable energy supplies during a period of geopolitical uncertainty. While the EU remains committed to expanding renewable energy, policymakers are increasingly debating the role fossil fuels should play in the transition period.