Description:

The European Economic Area (EEA) is an agreement between the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) and three additional countries (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) that aims to extend the EU’s internal market to these nations. The EEA provides for the free movement of goods, services, and capital within this area, as well as the freedom of movement for people.

Being part of the EEA allows these three non-EU countries to participate in the EU’s single market without being EU members. This means they adopt most EU legislation concerning the internal market and must contribute to the EU budget, albeit at a reduced rate compared to full EU members. The EEA also supports cooperation in various policy areas such as research, education, and social policy, although it does not cover all EU policies.

The goal of the EEA is to enhance economic integration and facilitate trade among its member states, ensuring a level playing field for businesses and promoting the general welfare of the population within the EEA.

References:

1. European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – European Economic Area (EEA):
– Link: https://www.efta.int/eea
This official website of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) provides comprehensive information about the European Economic Area (EEA). It contains detailed documents, news, and publications related to the EEA, as well as information on the legal framework, policies, and cooperation within the area.

2. European Union – European Economic Area:
– Link: https://europa.eu/european-union/european-economic-area_en
This webpage on the official website of the European Union (EU) provides a concise overview of the European Economic Area (EEA). It explains the purpose, benefits, and functioning of the EEA, including the rights of EU citizens in the EEA and EEA citizens in the EU. The page also features additional links for more in-depth information about the EEA.