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Offshore oil and gas safety
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There are more than 300 offshore oil and gas installations in EU waters, and they continue to play a role in energy supply. In 2023, EU countries reported 313 offshore installations, up slightly from 311 in 2022. At the same time, overall offshore oil and gas production fell by 4.6%, and no major accidents were reported.
Although safety is primarily the responsibility of operators and national authorities, offshore accidents can have environmental and economic consequences beyond national borders, which is why EU-level rules matter. The core of the EU framework is Directive 2013/30/EU on the safety of offshore oil and gas operations. Its purpose is to prevent major accidents and to ensure that, if an accident occurs, the response is rapid and effective. Before offshore exploration or production begins, companies must prepare a Report on Major Hazards for each installation. That report must include a risk assessment and an emergency response plan, and operators must have the resources available to implement those measures when needed. When licences are granted, Member States must make sure that operators have sufficient financial capacity, technical expertise and appropriate technical solutions to guarantee the safety of installations. This verification must be carried out independently and before the installation enters into operation. National authorities are also required to check safety provisions, environmental protection measures and the emergency preparedness of offshore rigs and platforms. If operators fail to comply with the minimum standards, Member States can impose sanctions, including stopping production. Transparency and liability are also central elements of the framework. Information on how installations are kept safe must be made available to citizens, and companies are fully liable for environmental damage caused to protected marine species and natural habitats. For marine habitats, the relevant geographical scope covers all EU marine waters, including exclusive economic zones and continental shelves. Citizens must also be able to express views on the environmental effects of planned offshore oil and gas exploration, and national authorities are required to keep them duly informed. |
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The directive’s implementation was reviewed in 2020 through a Commission report assessing the implementation of the directive and an accompanying staff working document. In addition, liability and compensation after offshore accidents were examined earlier in a 2015 Commission report and a related staff working document. These documents deal with how bodily injury, property damage and economic losses are handled, as well as the financial security instruments that may cover such damage. They build on a 2014 study on civil liability, financial security and compensation claims.
Cooperation between national regulators takes place through the European Union Offshore Oil and Gas Authorities Group (EUOAG). This group brings together the competent authorities of EU countries to share best practices and improve standards. It is chaired by the European Commission and is intended not only to support coordination inside the EU but also to promote high offshore safety standards internationally. The Commission also works with international partners to encourage the implementation of the highest safety standards worldwide. See the EUOAG web page.
Since 2016, the Commission has published yearly reports on the safety of offshore oil and gas operations. The latest available report covers 2023 and is published as COM(2025) 409 final. Earlier reports cover 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, creating a continuous reporting record on offshore safety performance in the Union.
There is implementing and supporting material that helps apply the safety framework in practice. This includes the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1112/2014 and a guidance document published in October 2014.
There is also a 2022 study on decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations, showing that offshore safety is not limited to active production, but also includes the safe management of installations at the end of their operational life. (Energy)
Cooperation between national regulators takes place through the European Union Offshore Oil and Gas Authorities Group (EUOAG). This group brings together the competent authorities of EU countries to share best practices and improve standards. It is chaired by the European Commission and is intended not only to support coordination inside the EU but also to promote high offshore safety standards internationally. The Commission also works with international partners to encourage the implementation of the highest safety standards worldwide. See the EUOAG web page.
Since 2016, the Commission has published yearly reports on the safety of offshore oil and gas operations. The latest available report covers 2023 and is published as COM(2025) 409 final. Earlier reports cover 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, creating a continuous reporting record on offshore safety performance in the Union.
There is implementing and supporting material that helps apply the safety framework in practice. This includes the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1112/2014 and a guidance document published in October 2014.
There is also a 2022 study on decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations, showing that offshore safety is not limited to active production, but also includes the safe management of installations at the end of their operational life. (Energy)
