Oslo witnessed a demonstration involving over a hundred protesters outside the DNB bank on Karl Johan Avenue, announced Oslo Police Chief Anders Aas at approximately 11:15 AM local time. He confirmed that authorities were monitoring the situation on-site.
A total of 16 activists entered the bank but were asked to leave without any arrests being made, he reported.
The event, organized by the ‘Extinction Rebellion’ movement, saw the participation of iconic Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
In a statement, ‘Reclaim the Future’, another organization involved in the protest, declared that DNB is the “largest Scandinavian investor in the rapidly growing fossil fuel industry.”
The statement further described how protesters inside the bank displayed banners, chanted slogans, and delivered speeches demanding Norway phase out its oil and gas sector activities.
“We came from across Europe to highlight the violence perpetrated daily by the fossil fuel industry against all forms of life,” stated Rufus Rune, a 23-year-old Swedish activist, as cited in the release.
Norway, a leading oil and gas producer in western Europe, often faces criticism for its industry.
Oslo maintains that its industry generates employment and knowledge while emphasizing the importance of ensuring stable energy supplies to Europe.
This protest follows a 36-hour action aimed at blocking the Mongstad oil refinery, Norway’s largest, located on the southwestern coast.
Equinor, the state-majority-owned oil company operating the Mongstad refinery, plans a 10% increase in oil and gas production by 2027 compared to 2024 levels.
