The European Commission talked about the future of EU-Norway relations

Norway is one of the EU's closest partners, and the parties maintain very close cooperation on foreign and security policy, EC spokeswoman Anitta Hipper told Izvestia. Brussels declined to comment on the prospects for developing relations with Oslo.

"Norway maintains close relations with the EU within the framework of the Agreement on the European Economic Area and a number of other bilateral agreements. At this stage, we cannot share the details," the EC stressed.

The European Commission added that Oslo and Brussels have a regular political dialogue on a wide range of topics, including partnership in the field of security and defense and its coordination with EU measures against the Russian government, as well as the application of sanctions aimed at limiting Russia's capabilities in the conflict in Ukraine.

In February, the Center Party left the ruling coalition of Norway due to its refusal to comply with EU energy directives.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

It's time to enter: Norway is being pushed to join the European Union