This week, the Investment Control Commission – appointed by the Norwegian government in 2022 – delivered its report concerning Norway's foreign direct investment laws. The report proposes significant changes to the current system, ostensibly in order to protect national security interests, and would bring Norway's rules on FDI more in line with some of its European neighbours.

The changes in the procurement regulations, rooted in the Hurdal Platform's ambitions for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business sector, will have significant implications for both suppliers and contracting authorities. The clear message is that sustainability and innovation will become even more central competitive factors, while the burden on contracting authorities to ensure climate-friendly solutions in the design and implementation of their procurements will increase.

Recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act, which came into effect 16 June 2023, represent an important first step in the government's efforts to establish a "Norwegian model" for public procurement. These changes provide expanded regulatory powers to promote labour and social conditions, as well as combat labour market crime.

On Friday 31 March, the Government submitted a bill proposing amendments to the Norwegian Security Act. The proposed changes may mean that far more transactions will be subject to FDI screening, and changes in the procedural rules may have a major impact on deals, not least with respect to deal timetable.

There is no doubt that offshore wind needs considerable public support in order to be financially viable. However, such support must first pass the threshold of EEA state aid law. How can state aid for offshore wind be granted legally, and what sources of state aid are available in Norway and the EU?

Patrick Oware had heard rumours that you get your required procedural experience quickly in Wikborg Rein, but he had never thought it would go this fast.

Competition Law

Information Technology

Procurement

Life sciences and healthcare

Foreign direct investment and national security

State Aid and EU/EEA

Sustainability, climate and environment

Dispute Resolution

Senior Associate

Oslo

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Patrick works mainly with procurement law, where he assists public contracting authorities and suppliers with advice, legal assessments, and disputes, within all sides of the procurement law.