The Oslo District Court ruled in favour of Norwegian Group, stating the airline was exempt from fulfilling its EU ETS obligations for 2020 and that the fine imposed by Norway’s government was unlawful.
The court acknowledged Norwegian’s right to meet its obligations through a dividend related to its allowance, recognizing the unique circumstances of the airline’s restructuring during the pandemic.
The ruling allows Norwegian to focus on its commitment to reducing its climate impact without the financial burden of the NOK399 million fine, though the Ministry of Climate and Environment has the option to appeal the decision.
This judgment follows an earlier EFTA court ruling that indicated the penalty could not be settled through dividends, and Norwegian had previously paid the fee while seeking legal clarity and potential reimbursement.
