OSLO, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Norway's eurosceptic Centre Party is reportedly set to resign from the government on Thursday following a dispute with coalition partner Labour concerning the adoption of EU energy policies. According to sources cited by public broadcaster NRK and daily VG, the Centre Party, in power since 2021, holds eight of the 20 seats in Norway's cabinet, including key positions such as finance, defense, and justice ministries, while Labour occupies the remaining 12 roles.
If the Centre Party's departure is finalized, Labour may govern independently as a minority until the elections in September. Labour has emphasized the importance of Norway maintaining strong ties with the EU amid potential trade conflicts between Europe and the United States.
At the time of reporting, the Centre Party had not responded to requests for comment. Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, who heads the Centre Party, was reportedly meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere on Thursday afternoon.
Regarding policy differences, Labour is advocating for Norway to align with EU directives on renewable energy consumption, energy efficiency in buildings, and overall energy efficiency. Conversely, the Centre Party opposes these directives, arguing they encroach on Norwegian sovereignty, and advocates for Norway, a significant power and gas exporter, to avoid undue EU regulation.
In pre-election polls, Norway's two-party center-left minority government trails right-wing parties as the country prepares for parliamentary elections later this year.