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 28 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
- Brexit: Agreement covering citizen rights Press release 08/02/2019
- Brexit: Preparedness in the financial markets area – follow-up of EU Commission decisions News story 20/12/2018
- Biannual address to the Storting on important EU and EEA matters Speech/statement 22/05/2018
- Biannual address on important EEA and EU matters Speech/statement 23/11/2017
- Norway's relationship with the EU in light of Brexit Speech/statement 09/11/2017
- Norway strengthening cooperation with Greece Press release 31/10/2017
- EU-Norway relations Speech/statement 18/05/2017
- Statement at Celebration of Europe Day Speech/statement 11/05/2017
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.
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Contact
Section for EEA and Schengen Affairs
E-mail: EOS-Schengen.seksjonen@mfa.no
Address: Postboks 8114 Dep., 0032 Oslo
Visitor address: 7. juniplassen 1 / Victoria Terrasse 7,