BAKGRUNN (fra EFTA-sekretariatets pressemelding 22.5.2024)

The internal market has been a key driver of European competitiveness and a source of prosperity, employment and environmental progress for three decades. Since entering into force in 1994, the EEA Agreement has extended the EU’s internal market to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, tying the 30 states together in a homogenous market where goods, services, capital and persons can move freely while maintaining fundamental rights and consumer protection. The Agreement also enables cooperation in areas such as research and development, education, social policy, environment, tourism and culture. Its two-pillar structure ensures the effective surveillance, enforcement and application of the same rules in the entire EEA.

The current geopolitical situation highlights the internal market’s importance in enhancing Europe’s welfare and competitiveness. The 30 EEA States must tackle the challenges facing the internal market together, and the EEA EFTA States are committed to finding common solutions and unlocking new opportunities with the EU Member States. Efforts to achieve greater economic security and resilience should not fragment our common internal market.

The EEA EFTA States emphasise the need to remove the remaining obstacles to unlock the internal market’s full potential, and to create new opportunities through the green and digital transitions. They acknowledge the accomplishments of the current legislative cycle. They emphasise the importance of thoroughly assessing the impact of new legislation and ensuring that Europe has an adequately skilled workforce to boost its competitiveness, particularly in the field of net-zero technologies.

The next EU legislative cycle should prioritise the further development and modernisation of the internal market, including by reducing existing administrative burdens, avoiding the creation of new barriers and building awareness of the internal market’s benefits at both European and national level.

The internal market is one of Europe’s most valuable assets in a changing world. A strong internal market enhances resilience in the face of crises and serves as a tool to address strategic dependencies. Therefore, increased political commitment to, and further strengthening of, the internal market will be of utmost importance in the years to come.

The EEA EFTA States will continue to prioritise this long-term partnership, addressing the challenges that arise and working together with the EU to develop an internal market fit for purpose, for the benefit of both citizens and businesses.