http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-25/norway-open-to-rosneft-expansion-as-offshore-investments-slide.html
Norway is open to OAO Rosneft deepening its involvement in the Nordic country as western Europes largest oil and natural gas producer seeks to counter a slowdown in investments and output.
The expansion of Russias largest oil producer in Norway comes as the country followed the U.S. and the European Union in imposing sanctions over Russias support of separatists in eastern Ukraine. Restrictions include a ban on technology transfer for deepwater, Arctic and shale oil exploration and production, while U.S. sanctions limit Rosnefts access to financial markets.
The restrictive measures are directed toward export of goods for use in Russia, and will not be relevant for foreign companies participation in petroleum activities or licensing rounds offshore Norway, Oil and Energy Minister Tord Lien said yesterday in an interview in Stavanger, Norway.
Norway is seeking to maintain production as more than 40 years of pumping oil and gas is starting to deplete deposits. The industry is already struggling with costs and stagnant oil prices. Companies including Statoil ASA (STL) and Royal Dutch Shell Plc have postponed projects and cut planned investments.