Established to facilitate cooperation between the European Union and the EFTA states of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the EEA Agreement has supported efforts to create a more unified and economically stable Europe.
In 30 years, the 30 EEA States together have built the world’s largest Internal Market, creating unprecedented prosperity and freedom for our citizens. Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of the EEA EFTA States
In a joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of the EEA EFTA States, Mr Bjarni Benediktsson from Iceland, Ms Dominique Hasler from Liechtenstein and Mr Espen Barth Eide from Norway, the Ministers said that “in 30 years, the 30 EEA States together have built the world’s largest Internal Market, creating unprecedented prosperity and freedom for our citizens. This anniversary year provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of the EEA Agreement, and more importantly to prepare for the future in an increasingly complex global environment. Over the years, many global challenges have put our EEA framework to the test. Through each crisis – from the COVID-19 pandemic to the war of aggression against Ukraine – the EEA EFTA States and the EU have remained the closest and most reliable of partners and offered a common response to protect, adapt and develop our Internal Market.
Looking ahead, our Internal Market will remain the launchpad for our societies and economies to thrive, to further enhance competitiveness and to embrace the green and digital transition. The EEA EFTA States are key partners in these important endeavours and in building a more resilient and dynamic Internal Market.
Here again, our unique partnership will be our core strength. We are committed to further strengthening the EEA, making it fit for the future and to continue opening doors for citizens across the EEA.”
Read more about the EEA Agreement on EFTA's website here.
30 years of fostering cooperation
Over these 30 years, the EEA Agreement has been instrumental in fostering cooperation across Europe. It has enabled the participation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway in the Internal Market, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital. This integration has led to a positive economic relationship, benefiting over 500 million people across the member states.
EEA Agreement signing in 1992 ©️ EFTA.
Together with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the European Union has worked continuously in building a better Europe for the benefit of citizens and businesses over the past 30 years. Looking back, we can be proud of what we have achieved. Joint statement by the Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and High Representative Josep Borrell of the European Commission on the 30th anniversary of the EEA
As a result of the Agreement, all EEA countries have the same rights and obligations when it comes to trade and investment and buying and selling services. Their citizens have the same right to work, study and live in any of the EEA member countries. In addition, the Agreement covers cooperation in other important areas such as research and innovation, education, culture and the environment.
The EEA and Norway Grants
An important aspect of this cooperation are the EEA and Norway Grants. The Grants’ main objectives are to reduce economic and social disparities and to strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor States and 15 Beneficiary States in Central and Southern Europe.
The EEA and Norway Grants represent Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’s commitment to cooperation and demonstrate how joint efforts and collaborative initiatives can contribute to a greener, more democratic, and resilient Europe for the future. Ragna Fidjestøl, Managing Director of the EEA and Norway Grants
EEA and Norway Grants projects – find out more here: https://eeagrants.org/
“The EEA and Norway Grants represent Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway's commitment to European cooperation, aiming to reduce social and economic disparities and to strengthen bilateral relations with the Grants' Beneficiary States.
Over the past three decades, through the EEA and Norway Grants, we have seen firsthand the tangible and positive benefits of working together towards common goals. This collaborative effort has led to advancements in environmental protection, climate change mitigation, social inclusion, and the strengthening of civil society across Europe,” says Ragna Fidjestøl, Managing Director of the EEA and Norway Grants.
EEA and Norway Grants projects – find out more here: https://eeagrants.org/
The impact of these grants is multifaceted. They have supported projects across a wide range of sectors such as environmental protection, research, innovation and local development. These initiatives have not only boosted economic growth in the Beneficiary States but also brought about significant social advancements (find out more here).
Find out more about the Grants through the EEA and Norway Grants Data & Results portal
Today, the EEA and Norway Grants are the largest single source of funding for civil society organisations working to promote these values in the Beneficiary States. This funding is more essential than ever in light of the shrinking civic space and increasing pressure on democracy and the rule of law seen in various countries in Europe over the past years.
EEA and Norway Grants exhibition in 2023 at the EU parliament
From improving public health services to bolstering environmental sustainability, the EEA and Norway Grants have been instrumental in creating tangible, lasting change. These initiatives not only bolster economic growth but also enhance the quality of life, echoing the core principle of sustainable development.
By maintaining a strong focus on bilateral partnerships, the Grants also help to build competence and capacity, create networks, develop business ideas, and expand market shares across Donor and Beneficiary States.
From left: Ms Ambassador Oda Helen Sletnes, Mission of Norway to the EU; Mr Kurt Jaeger, Mission of Liechtenstein to the EU; Ambassador Pieter De Gooijer, Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the EU: and Ms Bergdís Ellertsdóttir, Mission of Iceland to the EU.
Looking ahead
As we look forward to the future, the 30th anniversary of the EEA Agreement is a moment to reflect on past achievements and envision new possibilities. The ongoing commitment of the EEA members to innovation and inclusive growth promises a future where collaboration paves the way for a greener, democratic and resilient Europe.
EEA and Norway Grants exhibition in 2023 at the EU parliament
Find out more about the EEA and Norway Grants here.
And read more about the Grants’ results here.
