Innovation Norway in Brussels

The Clean Industrial Deal was presented in February 2025. It is the EU's ambitious strategy for delivering the green transition while creating a framework that strengthens the competitiveness of European businesses.

This will bring a range of legislative proposals, revisions, programme adjustments and strategies to mobilise capital, strengthen value chains and increase demand for European products. Among other measures, the EU is working to introduce requirements for European and sustainable content in public procurement. As public procurement accounts for 14% of the EU's GDP, this could create significant market opportunities.

At the same time, the EU will prioritise simplifying regulations across a range of areas, with the aim of reducing the administrative burden on European businesses. Our advisers monitor these processes closely and help Norwegian businesses position themselves to seize the resulting market opportunities.

We closely monitor the EU's digital policy, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Through initiatives including the AI Act, the Apply AI Strategy and InvestAI, the EU aims to support both the development and adoption of AI technologies in Europe. This creates market opportunities for Norwegian companies developing innovative services.

The EU's Green Deal and Fit for 55 package provide a framework and funding opportunities for businesses as they implement the green transition. The EU is also actively working to establish a circular economy, including by developing regulations and an integrated market for secondary raw materials.

We closely monitor the EU's priorities and policy development, particularly in climate and industry. We help you understand the framework being established and identify the opportunities these initiatives create.

In its Affordable Energy Action Plan, the EU prioritises securing access to affordable energy and strengthening the European energy market by investing in European production capacity, expanding the power grid and integrating storage solutions to increase flexibility. 

We have extensive expertise in EU energy policy and closely monitor developments in the EU's hydrogen initiatives, carbon capture and storage (CCS), batteries, infrastructure development, the Emissions Trading System and renewable energy.

We also focus closely on initiatives and directives relating to energy efficiency in buildings, and on developing innovative solutions and technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve sustainability and security in the energy sector.

The EU has set ambitious targets to decarbonise the maritime sector as part of the green transition. It is developing comprehensive strategies for the maritime industry, shipping and port infrastructure. At the same time, it is actively working to increase the production and uptake of alternative fuels and zero-emission technologies. 

With their innovative solutions and strong expertise in shipping and maritime technology, Norwegian companies are well positioned to succeed in the new markets emerging from the EU's initiatives. We help you identify strategic routes to market, funding opportunities and the regulatory landscape. 

In May 2025, the EU launched its new Startup and Scaleup Strategy, which aims to make Europe an attractive place for innovative start-ups to establish themselves and create favourable conditions for their continued growth. This includes improving European companies' access to capital. The EU is now actively working to harmonise application processes for its funding programmes and create a larger venture capital market.

EU funding programmes offer many opportunities for Norwegian SMEs seeking access to capital, networks and expertise. Our advisers can help you identify funding opportunities for your business and provide ongoing support throughout the application process.

One example of these opportunities is the European Innovation Council Accelerator (EICA), a scheme for innovative deep-tech start-ups and SMEs with international ambitions and strong growth potential. Other examples include the Digital Europe Programme, InvestEU, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) and the Innovation Fund.

In response to the war in Ukraine and hybrid threats, Europe is now significantly strengthening its defence capabilities, with the EU increasingly acting as a strategic coordinator. Through the European Defence Fund and financial support for joint public defence procurement, the EU is actively helping to strengthen Europe's defence capabilities.

In addition, the EU is in the process of adapting existing funding programmes, originally aimed at civilian projects, so they can also support projects with military applications. This includes a clear focus on dual-use goods, meaning technologies and solutions that can have both civilian and military applications. The EU's significant shift in pace on defence is creating major market opportunities for Norwegian companies offering defence and security solutions.