Despite Norway’s involvement in the sanctions regime against Russia, many areas of bilateral cooperation continue to function. The most significant areas of ongoing interaction include maritime safety, fisheries management, joint administration of the shared land and maritime borders, and specific aspects of transit, notably the Northern Sea Route (NSR). Although the broader political relationship has become more intricate and occasionally strained, these practical areas of cooperation have been largely maintained outside the ambit of both existing and potential future sanctions. Nevertheless, the situation is in a state of flux, and additional developments could potentially affect the current state of cooperation.
The marine resource management and fisheries sector is one of the most structured and long-standing forms of Russian-Norwegian cooperation. Annually, the two nations convene a joint intergovernmental commission to establish fishery quotas in the Barents and Norwegian Seas, in operation since 1975. The purpose of this mechanism is to prevent overfishing and ensure the sustainable management of shared fish inventories. The commission consented to a substantial reduction in the allowable catch of northeast Arctic cod in 2024 and 2025, resulting in a 25% decrease from the previous year to a total of 340,000 tons. Russia has allocated 144,400 tons of this. The Russian side was allocated corresponding shares of the total allowable capture for haddock, redfish, and halibut, which was set at 130,000 tons, 67,200 tons, and 19,000 tons, respectively. The quotas are typically allocated on a parity basis, which is indicative of a mutual acknowledgment of the significance of shared stewardship. The adaptive and science-based nature of this cooperation was underscored by the suspension of joint trawling for capelin in 2025 in response to concerns regarding declining stocks. In addition to quota-setting, the commission’s role encompasses the exchange of scientific data, the development of long-term management strategies, and the coordination of joint inspections to guarantee adherence to the established regulations. Despite the broader context of sanctions, Russia’s fishing vessels continue to dock at ports in northern Norway, including Troms, Batsfjord, and Kirkenes. This ongoing access underscores the practical necessity and mutual benefit of cooperation in this sector.
Norway and Russia collaborate in the administration of their shared land and maritime borders, as well as in the promotion of marine safety in the region, in addition to fisheries. In 2024, the two countries signed a new plan for border service cooperation that will span the next two years. This plan involves the exchange of information, including information regarding vessels that may be in distress at sea, as well as cooperative activities between the respective coast guards and border patrols. The agreement also stipulates mutual assistance and initiatives to prevent violations of fishing regulations or attempts to evade supervision. An official channel for addressing any issues related to the frontier is established through the ongoing regular meetings between military and police representatives from both countries. Despite the general deterioration in political relations, these contacts have persisted, indicating a shared interest in preserving stability and effective management along the border.
Russia and Norway have entered into yet another practical engagement through the use of the Northern Sea Route, both directly and indirectly. Norwegian and international shipping companies have increasingly used the NSR to transport products to China and other Asian markets. The number of trips and the volume of cargo transported along this route have experienced a significant increase in recent years; however, these figures continue to fall short of Russia’s long-term objectives for the NSR. Notably, the NSR is developing the Norwegian port of Kirkenes as a transit hub for products transported between China and Scandinavia. Kirkenes’s proximity to the NSR and its direct access to European markets make this effort a logical advancement. The port is strategically located to serve as the initial significant halt in Europe for Chinese vessels that transit Russian waters, thereby further integrating the region into global trade flows.
In the future, the Arctic and northern regions will present both opportunities and challenges for Russian-Norwegian cooperation. In areas where both parties have clear mutual interests, such as fisheries management and maritime safety, the relationship remains pragmatic and formalized. However, the ongoing political tensions and sanctions have led to fewer active bilateral commissions and added new challenges, especially regarding market competition and possible limits on Russian vessels entering Norwegian waters. The political landscape is evolving, but both countries continue to underscore the necessity of sustainable management of shared resources and dialogue and compromise.
In conclusion, Russian-Norwegian cooperation in the Arctic and northern regions persists in critical domains, despite the influence of international sanctions and a challenging political environment. Fisheries, border management, maritime safety, and transit continue to serve as the foundation of this partnership. The sustainable management of the region’s resources and the stability of the broader Arctic environment are all supported by long-standing agreements, scientific collaboration, and joint supervision in these areas.