The Government renews and strengthens Norway’s EEA efforts

The EEA Agreement is Norway’s most important international agreement. It gives Norway access to the Single Market and ensures a level playing field for Norwegian businesses. It also provides the basis for broader cooperation with the EU in areas that are important to Norway but fall outside the scope of the EEA Agreement, such as defence and security, competitiveness, health preparedness, and efforts to strengthen resilience and economic security. The Government considers it essential to safeguard the EEA Agreement and ensure that it functions effectively. 

‘We are therefore modernising and changing our EEA procedures by moving the start of work on new legislation from the point at which legislation has been adopted by the EU to the point at which it is proposed by the European Commission,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 

These efforts will ensure that work begins earlier, both nationally and within EFTA, through changes to routines and working methods. This will also contribute to reducing the backlog.  

‘We see that the EEA process itself is the main obstacle to reducing the backlog. That is why we are now changing our system. We need to become much better at identifying our core interests and be willing to prioritise what matters most. We expect these changes to produce clear results,’ said Mr Eide.  

Faster incorporation of legislation 

The EEA Agreement underpins Norway’s access to the world’s most valuable Single Market, thereby supporting jobs throughout the country. It also gives Norwegians a range of benefits, including the freedom to travel, work and study across Europe. 

‘For Norwegian businesses, it is crucial to operate under the same rules as their competitors in the EU. We will now engage earlier and more actively in the development of European policy, particularly in the field of industrial policy. This will help ensure that the EEA Agreement works to the benefit of the framework conditions under which Norwegian industry operates,’ said Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth. 

Key changes 

Earlier engagement: The Government will change EEA procedures by moving the start of work on new legislation from the point at which legislation has been adopted by the EU to the point at which it is proposed by the European Commission. This will ensure that work begins earlier, both nationally and within EFTA, through changes to routines and working methods. 

Clearer priorities: We will devote the greatest attention to the issues that matter most to Norway. Measures include a new system for annual national priorities for EU and EEA matters across government. 

More effective EEA work across the public administration: The Government will ensure that resources are used more efficiently and will streamline EEA-related work. We will strengthen coordination and ensure that complex issues receive sufficient priority and progress. 

Greater use of digital tools: The Government will make EEA work more efficient and modern through improved digital solutions and greater, more active use of artificial intelligence. 

Closer follow-up of the existing EEA backlog: The Government has already taken steps to reduce the long-standing backlog. Approximately 600 legal acts have been incorporated over the past year.