News and current topics from various practice areas and industries

In a press release dated 8 February 2025, the Ministry of Energy announces that, with effect from 1 July 2025, there will be a new limit for which solar power plants require a licence under the Energy Act. The new limit is 10 MW installed capacity.

The use of sequencing requirements and development agreements has been contentious for a long time. Previously, there was significant criticism of private developers contributing to the financing of public infrastructure. However, there is now broad acceptance that it is reasonable to help address the needs created by development. More problematic is the lack of connection between the required measures and the development itself—there remains significant disagreement about what the Planning and Building Act practically allows.

In January, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a landmark ruling on the principle of data minimization and the necessity requirement in processing personal data based on contract or legitimate interest.

In cases before the courts, the starting point is that the party that has “won” the case is entitled to full compensation from the other party for its legal costs. Where neither party has “won” the case, the starting point is that the parties must bear their own legal costs. However, settlement offers made during legal proceedings may result in a party being awarded legal costs in the judgement even if the party has not won the case. In this update, we provide a brief introduction to what is important for a settlement offer to have a positive effect on the court’s decision on legal costs.

The Digital Security Act, which implements the so-called NIS 1 directive from the EU, will most likely come into force in Norway during the first half of 2025.

In a press release today, NVE announces that licence applications for small hydropower plants will not be considered if there is a lack of documentation showing that the plant can be connected to the electricity grid.

At the request of Oslo District Court, the EFTA Court has issued an advisory opinion in the form of a judgement on the interpretation of Article 36 of the EEA Agreement on freedom to provide services, etc. The case concerns the question of whether Norwegian hiring rules are in line with EEA law.

Sickness absence is a major cost for Norwegian companies, and there is a lot to be gained for organisations that have control of the regulations. It’s also important to ensure fair and efficient treatment of employees, while protecting the company from potential pitfalls.

The end of a calendar year is approaching. In this connection, several questions often arise regard-ing any remaining holiday days and in some cases also the payment of holiday pay.