62. Meeting of the EEA in the European Economic Area
On 21 and 22 November 2024, the EFTA/EU delegation from Switzerland will take part in the 62nd meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee of the European Economic Area (EEA) in Oslo. The focus will be on European competitiveness, the EEA Agreement and relations between Switzerland and the EU.
The EEA Joint Parliamentary Committee serves as a platform for dialogue between the parliaments of the EEA/EFTA states (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and the EU. Switzerland, a member of EFTA but not of the EEA, plays an observer role on this committee. This enables the Swiss delegation to follow important developments in the EEA and actively participate in debates on foreign and economic policy issues.
Focus of the talks
The meeting will centre on current developments in the European Economic Area. In particular, it will focus on the functioning of the EEA Agreement, European security and competitiveness, as well as the priorities for EEA and Norwegian grants to reduce social and economic disparities. Another focus will be on relations between Switzerland and the European Union, on which the Swiss delegation will inform the Committee.
Swiss delegation
The EFTA/EU delegation is represented by National Councillor Thomas Aeschi (SVP, ZG) as Chairman, Councillor of States Damian Müller (FDP, LU) as Vice-Chairman and National Councillors Hans-Peter Portmann (FDP, ZH) and Nicolas Walder (Greens, GE).
Significance for Switzerland
Participation in the Committee enables Switzerland to keep abreast of European developments and maintain important contacts. Particularly in the areas of competitiveness and international cooperation, the observer role offers a valuable insight into topics that are also of central importance to Switzerland.
The meeting in Oslo strengthens networking between Switzerland and the EEA states and the EU. Switzerland’s observer role emphasises the importance of the EEA for Swiss foreign and economic policy and enables it to participate in relevant debates.