Verdict in the appeal lawsuit concerning Section 112 of the Constitution

The environmental organizations Greenpeace Nordic Association and Nature and Youth sued the state and the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in 2016. They claim the decision of the award of exploitation permissions in the Barents Sea under the 23rd licencing round represents a breach on Section 112 of the Constitution.

Oslo District Court dismissed the claim on 4 January 2018, and the plaintiffs appealed the ruling to Borgarting Court of Appeal.

The court of appeal has concluded that the decision of awarding exploitation permissions under the 23rd licencing round is valid and that the decision has followed the requirements of Section 112 of the Constitution and other legislation. The decision on awards in the 23^rd licencing round was made on the basis of all applicable laws and regulations, in line with long established practice and is supported by a broad majority in the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget).

Office of the Attorney General Fredrik Sejersted will be available for comments at the Office of the Attorney General's office between 11 and 12 am. Please contact lawyer Anders F. Wilhelmsen for make an appointment:

Tlf: 22 99 02 00

Mobil: +4748222251

E-mail: Anders.Wilhelmsen@regjeringsadvokaten.no