News

Elise Johansen

WR ESG Alert: EU 'Stop the Clock' Directive enters into force, whilst Supreme Court overturns decision on interim relief in landmark climate change case

27/03/2025

WR ESG Alert: Norway follows up on Omnibus-package, whilst the EFTA Court issues advisory opinion on interpretation of EU Water Framework Directive

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight Norway’s follow-up actions in the wake of the EU release of the Omnibus package, the EFTA Court’s recent advisory opinion in the case regarding disposal of mining waste in Førdefjorden, and public consultations on the new ESG Regulation.

27/02/2025

EU Omnibus package proposes significant simplifications, while the first Transparency Act penalty is overturned

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the EU Commission's Omnibus package, which proposes significant simplifications to EU legislation on sustainability and human rights. We also describe the overturn of the first infringement penalty issued under the Transparency Act, and the proposed implementation of the EU Regulation on Waste Shipments into Norwegian law.

30/01/2025

WR ESG Alert: New rules on sustainability reporting in Norway, while simplification, postponement and evaluation are on the horizon

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the entry into force of the reporting requirements of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in Norway, and look into the Omnibus Simplification Package and the postponement of the Deforestation Regulation from the EU, as well as a recently published report evaluating the Norwegian Transparency Act.

15/11/2024

The application timeline for the EU Deforestation Regulation will be extended

On 14 November 2024, the EU Parliament formally approved the European Commission's proposal to postpone the application of the Deforestation Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1115) until 30 December 2025. With the aim of reducing deforestation, forest degradation, greenhouse gas emissions and global biodiversity loss, the Deforestation Regulation imposes documentation and due diligence requirements on in-scope entities to ensure that relevant commodities and products are deforestation-free and lawfully produced. Companies falling within the scope of the Regulation, should start preparations to ensure that they are prepared to comply once the obligations enter into force.

01/11/2024

WR ESG Alert: Norway commits to implement CBAM, while the first penalty under the Transparency Act is imposed

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the first infringement penalty imposed under the Transparency Act, the implementation of the EU CSRD into Norwegian law, the Norwegian government's decision to implement CBAM into Norwegian law, EU restrictions on a sub-group of PFAS chemicals, and the latest decision from the Borgarting Court of Appeal regarding an injunction appeal from two environmental organisations.

27/09/2024

WR ESG Alert: An autumn of public consultations to further sustainability

In this month's ESG alert we describe three recently published public consultations in Norway, relating to (i) a revised CO2 compensation scheme, (ii) amendments to sustainability reporting in auditor and accounting regulations and (iii) the EU's recent Regulation on reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector.

10/09/2024

EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Implemented into Norwegian Law

On 11 June 2024, the Norwegian Parliament amended the Accounting Act to implement the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) into Norwegian law. The new rules impose new sustainability reporting requirements for Norwegian companies, with the aim of standardising and enhancing the quality of disclosed environmental, social and governance matters.

30/08/2024

WR ESG Alert: EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive implemented into Norwegian law, while other EU sustainability acts enter into force

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive into Norwegian law, the entry into force of the EU Nature Restoration Law, the Revised EU Industrial Emissions Directive and the EU hydrogen and gas decarbonisation package, and the adoption of the European Council's position on the Green Claims Directive.

07/06/2024

WR ESG Alert: Final approval of EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and Net-Zero Industry Act

In this month's ESG alert we note that the EU has adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Net-Zero Industry Act and that the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act has entered into force. In Norway, the Ministry of Children and Families has commenced an evaluation of the Transparency Act one year after the first reporting deadline while various government authorities have issued public consultations relating to different areas of climate legislation.

03/05/2024

WR ESG Alert: Another landmark ruling on climate change and human rights, and rules to protect against forced labour and abusive court proceedings

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the recent landmark climate judgment from the European Court of Human Rights, as well as legislative developments in the EU, including new rules on free allocation of emission allowances, protection of persons who engage in public participation, a revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive, and the approval by the European Parliament of the Forced Labour Regulation.

05/04/2024

WR ESG Alert: Shell appeals landmark climate ruling while EU members agree on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

In this month's ESG alert, we describe Shell's appeal against a landmark climate ruling, the approval by EU members of a revised version of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive as well as recent EU climate initiatives and proposals to align Norwegian climate regulations with EU standards

19/03/2024

EU Council and Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament approves amended draft of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

On 15 March 2024, the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) of the Council of the European Union (the "Council") surprisingly approved an amended draft of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (the "CS3D"). On 19 March, the amended draft of the CS3D was approved by the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) of the European Parliament.

01/03/2024

WR ESG Alert: The EU Council fails to endorse the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, leaving the future of the Directive hanging in the balance

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight the EU Council's failure to endorse the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the European Parliament's efforts to combat gender-based violence, and provide an update on various environmental developments at the EU and Norwegian levels.

15/02/2024

EU takes steps to empower consumers for the green transition

Shielding consumers from greenwashing and misleading environmental claims constitutes an important aspect of the European Union’s strategy to cultivate a more environmentally sustainable economy. A European Commission study in 2020 revealed that more than 50% of environmental claims within the EU were unclear or misleading, with 40% lacking substantiation.

02/02/2024

WR ESG Alert: Key decisions by Norwegian and French courts relating to the environment and crimes against humanity

In this month's ESG alert, we describe the recent decision by France's highest court which paves the way for charges to be brought against Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity and a decision by Oslo District Court which invalidates three Norwegian oil and gas field permits on environmental grounds.

05/01/2024

WR ESG Alert: EU agreement on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and updates to and expansion of a range of environmental obligations

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight that political agreement has been reached at EU level with respect to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation as well as new rules to strengthen the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. We also describe an expanded scope for sustainability disclosure obligations following a report by the European Supervisory Authorities and revisions to the Norwegian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Act.

21/12/2023

EU agreement on corporate due diligence rules to safeguard human rights and environment

On 14 December 2023, the European Parliament and the European Council informally agreed on a new directive on corporate sustainability due diligence (the "CS3D" or the "directive") obliging firms to integrate their human rights and environmental impact into their management systems. The directive has been called a historic breakthrough in the way companies are now responsible for potential abuse in their value chain. Subsequent to the negotiations, the Lead MEP said that this was a starting point for shaping the economy of the future.

30/11/2023

WR ESG Alert: New climate lawsuit against the Norwegian government and expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight that shipping activities have been incorporated into the EU Emissions Trading System, and that provisional agreement has been reached at EU level with respect to the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU Nature Restoration Law and an EU Regulation to reduce energy sector methane emissions. We also report on the latest climate lawsuit against the Norwegian government.

31/10/2023

WR ESG Alert: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters transitional phase, EU taxonomy news, proposed increase in fines for violations of the Working Environment Act

In this month's ESG alert, we highlight that the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has entered its transitional phase, we note the publication of various recommendations and reports calling for a more environmentally sustainable future and update on public consultations on proposed legislative amendments to the Working Environment Act and the Lawyers Act. We also provide an update on the EU taxonomy and mention Europol's Financial and Economic Crime Threat Assessment.

29/09/2023

WR ESG Alert

We are pleased to announce the launch of our monthly ESG alert service, where we will provide updates on key developments on topics of relevance under the ESG umbrella. The WR ESG alerts intend to offer a focused perspective on environmental and social issues, emphasising material developments and their implications. However, this may not encompass all aspects of the broader ESG spectrum and will generally not cover governance-related updates.

31/05/2023

Emission allowances trading

The European carbon market has grown substantially since its start in 2005. With the extension of the EU ETS to include the shipping sector, and an annual reduction of more than 4% of the overall number of emission allowances in the market, the price is expected to rise. This means an increased need and interest amongst stakeholders to understand how trading with emission allowances is regulated.

25/04/2023

EU Emissions Trading System applies for shipping as from 1 January 2024

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been reformed to include maritime emissions as from 1 January 2024.

21/09/2022

Summary of the New US Climate Bill

After months of wrangling and negotiations, US Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the "IRA") last month. The bill contains ground-breaking climate change measures and is projected to lead to USD 370 billion in government investment in renewable energy and climate change programs in the next 10 years. These measures are likely to open significant business opportunities for companies operating in the renewable energy sector.

23/05/2022

The EU Taxonomy in the maritime transport industry

In the maritime sector, several measures are needed in order to reduce emissions to the extent necessary, and the EU Commission approach this challenge by presenting a basket of measures, one of them being the EU Taxonomy. By setting harmonised criteria for determining whether an economic activity qualifies as environmentally sustainable, it is intended to incentivise the greening of the sector.

23/05/2022

The EU ETS and Shipping – updates and unanswered questions

Since the European Commission on 14 July 2021 proposed to extend the scope of its Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to include emissions from shipping, several stakeholders have evaluated, commented on and assessed the proposal. This article examines some of the most debated and uncertain aspects.

13/12/2021

The EU ETS expands to shipping

One of the most talked about and controversial aspects of the EU’s proposed “Fit for 55” package is the European Commission’s proposal for a revised Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This article examines the proposal and details its potential impact on the shipping industry.

13/12/2021

Decarbonisation in shipping – the EU proposals

On 14 July 2021 the European Commission published its “Fit for 55” package setting out various legislative proposals to enable the EU to reach its objective to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (as compared to 1990 levels).

16/11/2021

Marine spatial conflicts: Offshore wind – Increased pressure on Norway’s marine areas

Norway’s large sea areas remain one of the country’s most important advantages in the global transition to a greener and more sustainable society. Solving the global climate challenges includes investments in measures such as ocean-based transport, restoration of marine ecosystems, seafood, storage of carbon in the ocean floor and ocean-based renewable energy. While these activities can help reduce the carbon footprint, they may also lead to increased activity in the sea areas already used for other types of (traditional) marine activities.

26/10/2021

How does the EU Taxonomy regulate hydrogen?

In order to meet the EU’s climate and energy targets for 2030, and reach the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU deemed it vital to direct investments toward sustainable projects and activities. To achieve this, the Commission needed a common language and clear definition of “sustainable” – they in turn created a common classification system for sustainable economic activities, or an “EU Taxonomy”.

08/06/2021

Important clarifications for offshore wind in Norway

On June 8th, the Norwegian Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Tina Bru, announced that the first licences for development of offshore wind in Norway may be granted in early 2022.

10/12/2020

The London Dumping Regime – taking a lead in developing a legal framework for ocean fertilisation activities

Contracting Parties to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972 (the London Convention) and the 1996 London Protocol have taken steps to address potential harm to the marine environment from the evaluation of new experimental technologies designed to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

07/12/2020

Norwegian ocean management – modern or still very traditional?

With Jens Evensen in the forefront, Norway was a pioneer in the development of the law of the sea in the 70s. However, the traditional law of the sea as we know it, with its zonal and sectoral approach, is not sustainable. Through the High North Report, the Norwegian government is laying the foundations for what will be Norwegian foreign policy for the next 10 years. Is Norway once again capable of being a pioneer in the development of a modern law of the sea?