Norway’s Centre Party withdrew from the ruling coalition on Thursday over a dispute regarding the adoption of European Union energy policies, leaving the centre-left Labour Party to govern alone just eight months before the national election.

Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum’s decision removes Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s only coalition partner and takes away eight of the 20 cabinet ministers, including key positions in finance, defence, and justice. While Labour can continue ruling until September’s election, it lacks a parliamentary majority and trails right-wing parties in polls.

As a NATO country, Norway is not within the EU but is closely affiliated through the European Economic Area. Labour is in favour of implementing the EU’s renewable energy directives, energy performance in buildings, and efficiency-improving initiatives on several counts. They argue that these are necessary to maintain stability in trade relations. The Centre Party deplores such policies, proclaiming them to be so restrictive of Norwegian sovereignty.

“The Centre Party does not want to be part of this development. We want to take back more national control,” Vedum stated. Store, defending Labour’s stance, said that credibility was important in Norway’s deal with the EU, particularly with increasing tension between Europe and the U.S. over trade.

Norway has been debating its relationship with the EU for decades, having voted against full membership in referendums in 1972 and 1994. Although it is part of the EU market under the EEA agreement, the country is still criticized for having to comply with thousands of EU regulations without any say in their formulation.

With two-thirds of Norway’s exports going to the EU, Labour argues that maintaining strong ties with the EU is essential, especially in light of US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and rising transatlantic trade tensions.