Norway's recent decision to push ahead with seabed mining in the Arctic

I voted in favor of this important resolution on Norway's recent decision to go ahead with seabed mining in the Arctic. The high seas are the oldest biome on the planet and the area least known to humankind. They have probably the greatest biodiversity on Earth, provide critical environmental services, including long-term carbon sequestration, and are vulnerable to human disturbance. Serious concerns have been raised about the impacts of maritime mining on biodiversity loss and ecosystem functioning, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. A large part of the demand for raw materials can and should be met through the use of recycling and circular economy measures, the development of substitute materials and demand reduction policies.


Parliament therefore expresses its concern at the Norwegian Parliament's decision to open up areas for seabed activities. It also reiterates its call on the Commission and the Member States to support an international moratorium on maritime mining and urges all countries to apply the precautionary principle.

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