The European Economic Area Agreement
The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) is the cornerstone of relations between Norway and the EU. It brings together the 27 EU member states and the three EEA Efta states Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein in the internal market governed by the same basic rules.
What the EEA Agreement covers
Under the EEA Agreement, Norway and Norwegians have the same rights and obligations as other EEA countries and their citizens when it comes to trade, investments, banking and insurance, and buying and selling services. They also have the same right to work, study and live in other countries in the EEA.
Brief history about the EEA
The EEA Agreement ensures that Norway takes part in the EU Single Market with access to the benefits of the free movements of persons, goods, services and capital. It entered into force in 1994.
EEA institutions and bodies
The EFTA states and the EU make up the two pillars of the EEA cooperation. For this reason, the institutional framework for the EEA Agreement is often described as having a two-pillar structure.
Related topics and insights
What's new
Work programme for co-operation with the EU 2017
' We hope that the work programme for 2017 will be a useful tool for all those who are interested in developments in Europe and in how we can best contribute, while at the same time safeguarding Norway’s interests in our cooperation with the EU', says Minister of EEA and EU Affairs, Frank Bakke-Jensen.
Norway and the EU single market
The European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement ensures that Norway can take part in the EU single market, and thus benefit from the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital. It guarantees non-discrimination and equal rules and competition throughout the EEA.
Latest news
- Norwegian participation in EU programmes 2021–2027 Press release 09/04/2021
- Prime Minister Solberg met Ireland’s Taoiseach Martin News story 28/01/2021
- Statement at conference on EU's Green Deal Speech/statement 27/01/2021
- Meeting between Prime Minister Solberg and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa News story 26/01/2021
- Brexit: Norway and the United Kingdom agree on enforcement of judgements in civil matters Press release 20/11/2020
- Agreement reached with the UK on temporary arrangement for trade in goods from January Press release 21/10/2020
- Norwegian candidate for the ESA Director General position Press release 02/10/2020
- Key issues for Norway in its negotiations with the United Kingdom News story 23/07/2020
Documents
Ten facts about the EEA
The European Economic Area – binding together the EU and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
Norway and the EU - Partners for Europe
Norway shares a common set of values with the EU and its member states, and we are working together to find joint solutions to common challenges.
Shortcut
Contact
Section for EEA Affairs
E-mail: EOS-Schengen.seksjonen@mfa.no
Address: Postboks 8114 Dep., 0032 Oslo
Visitor address: 7. juniplassen 1 / Victoria Terrasse 7,