"The events in the Baltic Sea caused the government to decide to strengthen the preparedness connected to infrastructure, land facilities, and installations on the Norwegian continental shelf," says Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labour) at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

On Monday, explosions took place on the gas pipelines Nord Stream I and II from Russia to Europe, and subsequently, large leaks into the Baltic Sea. The damage was probably caused on purpose, reports European leaders.

In light of sanctions and counter-sanctions between EU countries and Russia in the energy field, Norway has become an even more important energy supplier to Europe.

The prime minister points to increased preparedness on the Norwegian continental shelf from both the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Police. Several companies have also increased their own preparedness at their facilities, including Equinor, which, for example, operates the LNG production at Melkøya in Finmark, Northern Norway.

"The Armed Forces will now be more present and visible in the areas around our oil and gas installations," states Støre.

Recently, drone activity on the Norwegian continental shelf has increased, which is to be investigated by the Norwegian Police. At the same time, the prime minister emphasizes that there is no concrete evidence of any direct threat to Norway or Norwegian infrastructure.